
Class 
Book 



E £n 44 




4=. 



\ 



AN AMERICAN DRAMA 
ARRANGED IN FOUR ACTS 
AND ENTITLED 

SECRET SERVICE 



A ROMANCE OF THE 
SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY 



WRITTEN BY , 

WILLIAM GILLETTE 



Copyright, 1898, by william Gillette 



CAUTION.--AII persons are hereby warned that " Secret Service," 
being fully protected under the copyright laws of the United 
States, is subject to royalty, and anyone presenting the play 
without the consent of the author or his authorized agent, will 
be liable to the penalties by law provided. We will be pleased 
to quote royalty for amateur production on application. 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38th STREET 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 

STRAND 






CHABACTERS 



GENERAL NELSON RANDOLPH 

MRS. GENERAL VARNEY f^™^.^™ 1 

EDITH VARNEY..™"! ° £ * Confeder!lte 0fflcer o1 High Kank i 

WILFRED V&S^yZZZZZZZZZ.ZZ^^ 

CAROLINE MITFORD ^.^""l 

LEWIS DUMONT F ^ A ^^ Te ^ 

[United States Secret Service— Known in Richmond as Captain 
Thorne] 

HENRY DUMONT \ 

[United States Secret Service— Lewis Dumont's Brother] 

MR. BENTON ARRELSFORD 

[Confederate Secret Service] 

MISS KITTRIDGE 

[Sewing for the Hospitals] 

MARTHA 

[Negro House Servant] 

JONAS 

[Negro House Servant] 

LIEUT. MAXWELL 

[President's Detail] 

LIEUT. FORAY 

[First Operator Military Telegraph Lines] 

LIEUT. ALLISON . 

[Second Operator Military Telegraph Lines] 

LIEUT. TYREE 

[Artillery] 

LIEUT. ENSING 

[Artillery] 
SERGEANT WILSON 

SERGEANT ELLINGTON 

CORPORAL MATSON 

CAVALRY ORDERLY 

ARTILLERY ORDERLY.. 

HOSPITAL MESSENGER 

FIRST WAR DEPT. MESSENGER 

SECOND WAR DEPT. MESSENGER 

THIRD WAR DEPT. MESSENGER 

FOURTH WAR DEPT. MESSENGER 

TELEGRAPH OFFICE MESSENGER A 

TELEGRAPH OFFICE MESSENGER B 

EDDINGER 



13 N 



5 






SECRET SERVICE 3 

AN EVENING IN RICHMOND DURING THE WAR OP THE 
REBELLION AT A TIME WHEN THE NORTHERN FORCES 
WERE ENTRENCHED BEFORE THE CITY AND ENDEAV- 
ORING BY ALL POSSIBLE MEANS TO BREAK DOWN THE 
DEFENSES AND CAPTURE THE CONFEDERATE CAPITAL- 
* * * 

DRAWING-ROOM AT FTPHT 

ACT I GEN. VARNEY'S HOUSE A'PT HPIT 

FRANKLIN STREET ^ V^L^VJV^CV. 

ACT TI THE SAME PLACE NINE 

A ^ x X1 O'CLOCK 

APT TTT TELEGRAPH office TEN 

ii^ i in WAR DEPARTMENT O'CLOCK 



ACT IV 



DRAWING-ROOM AT THE ELEVEN 
VARNEY HOUSE AGAIN O'CLOCK 

* * * 



WHILE NO SPECIAL EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE IN THE 
DIRECTION OF HISTORICAL ACCURACY THE MANAGE- 
MENT TAKES THE LIBERTY OF REMINDING THE PUB- 
LIC THAT THE CITY OF RICHMOND AT THE TIME SET 
FORTH IN " SECRET SERVICE " WAS IN A STATE OF 
THE UTMOST EXCITEMENT AND CONFUSION. WOUNDED 
AND DYING WERE BEING BROUGHT IN FROM THE 
DEFENSES BY THE CAR-LOAD. CHURCHES, LIBRARIES 
AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS WERE CONVERTED INTO HOS- 
PITALS. OWING TO THE SCARCITY OF SURGEONS 
AND MEDICAL ATTENDANTS WOMEN AND EVEN YOUNG 
CURLS ASSISTED AT THE DRESSING OF WOUNDS AND 
NURSED THE SUFFERERS DAY AND NIGHT. OTHER 
WOMEN WERE OCCUPIED SEWING COARSE AND HEAVY 
SAND BAGS FOR THE STRENGTHENING OF THE FORTI- 
FICATIONS. STRICT MILITARY DISCIPLINE WAS IM- 
POSSIBLE. COURTS MARTIAL IF HELD AT ALL WERE 
COMPOSED OF ANY AVAILABLE MATERIAL EVEN PRI- 
VATE CITIZENS SERVING IF NECESSARY. TROOPS WERE 
BEING HURRIED IN FROM THE SOUTH AND NO CARE- 



SECRET SERVICE 

FUL SCRUTINY WAS ATTEMPTED. THIS MADE IT POS- 
SIBLE FOR MANY NORTHERN SECRET SERVICE MEN 
TO ENTER THE CITY AND REMAIN THERE IN VARIOUS 
DISGUISES. IN THE MIDST OF THIS TROUBLE A BRAVE 
ATTEMPT AT GAYETY WAS KEPT UP — CHIEFLY BY 
THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN A DESPERATE ENDEAVOR TO 
DISTRACT THEIR MINDS FROM THE TERRIBLE SITUA- 
TION. THERE WERE DANCES AND "STARVATION 
PARTIES " SO CALLED BECAUSE OF THE NECESSARILY 
LIMITED FARE PROVIDED AND THE BOOMING OF THE 
GREAT SIEGE GUNS OFTEN SOUNDED ABOVE THE 
STRAINS OF A DREAMY WALTZ OR THE LIVELY BEAT 
OF A POLKA. 



SECRET SERVICE 



TLiQht Plot 

Acts I and IV — Same 

Foots and 1st Borders : White and Amber Full up. 
To work down and up on Cues in Act II. 
2 Blue Box Lamps lighting Garden Eight. 

1 Blue Spot through window 1st E. Eight. 

Acts II and IV 

2 Table lamps on scene 1 l. c. Back. 
One on desk down stage Eight. 

These lamps work up and down on Dimmer in Act. 
II. 

Eed Lighting in Garden to flash on backing. 

Strip in Back Entrance (Act I only) 

Strips in Hallway left and top of stairway to go 
out on Cue in Act II. 

Lighting works only on sounds of Cannon, Acts II 
and IV. 

Act III 

4 Telegraph instruments on Scene — 2 on table 
down center, 2 on table under mantel piece down 
right, all to work from off and on stage. 

1-2 light (imitation) gas bracket over mantel to go 
off and on at Cue. 

Foots and 1st Border. White and Amber full up. 

To work up and down at Cues. 
5 



6 SECRET SERVICE 

2 Box lamps green frosted. Showing through 
windows down stage left, same on all through Act. 

Bunches lighting transparency wings back left, 
cues on Gas Bracket Foots and Border. 

property plot 
Act I 

Interior : — Drawing room in General Varney's house ; 
Richmond, Va. 1865. Early evning. Ground- 
cloth, medallion, rugs — Portieres to draw on 
l. u. e. Portieres to draw on windows r. and 
R. c. 

On walls: — Handsome pictures in gilt and walnut 
frames of the period landscapes, steel engrav- 
ings and portraits. 

Furniture: — Colonial mahogany frames and Rep 
upholstering. Southern Fireplace down l. brass 
fender, dogs and fireplace furniture. 

On Mantel: — Clock — practical set for 8 o'clock. 
Vases with glass, bronze ornaments, 2 or 3 books. 
Flowers in grate. 

On Table: — l. c. centerpiece, 2 or 3 books, written 
letter not in envelope. Large plush album. 
Chair r. and l. of l. c. table) Hassock in front 
of l. c. table. 

Bell cord below F. P. 

Sofa r. c. Tidies, sofa cushions. 

Table up c. Lighted lamp, work basket fairly large 
— Pair of scissors, needles, thread, etc. Vase of 
flowers, one to be removed. Writing desk down 
R. On desk, writing material, pen, ink and 
paper, envelopes, etc. Nice old-fashioned ink 
stand) 2 or 3 books, bowl of flowers, small 
miniature on easel, waste basket, dark wicker 
chair in front of desk, chair just above desk, 
Hassock near desk. 

Bookcase between windows and c. doors (old- 
fashioned, filled with books.) 



SECRET SERVICE 7 

Stair Carpet. 

Hanging Lamp in Hall. 

Lamp on desk or small stand r. 

Pedestal and vase of flowers between windows — chair 

between windows. 
Hall seat in hall. 
Two chairs, one each side of F. P. 
Pedestal and statue on landing in hall. 
Vines and flowers for veranda off r. and R. u. e. 

SIDE PROPS 

For Thorne: — Cigar, matches. 

For Jonas : — Writing paper (brown) card, salver, off 
l. c. 

For Wilfred: — Pair gray Confederate trousers, legs 
to cut off about three inches from bottom every 
night. Confederate gray blouse wrapped in 
brown paper. 

For Edith: — (Upstairs l. c.) written note. 

For Maxwell: — Large official brown envelope con- 
taining commission. 

For Miss Kittridge: — (Off c.) Package of lint and 
package of bandages. 

For Soldier: — Sling. 

8 Springfield rifles and bayonets. 

Jingle door bell off l. c. 

Distant cannon effect off R. 

Effect of passing artillery off R. rumble of cannon 
wheels, horses galloping, and jingle of swords 
and harness. Door slam (big) off l. c. Sec 
that key is in lock of c. door and that it will 
work easily. 

Act II 

SAME SET AS ACT I 

Set clock at 9 o'clock. 



8 SECRET SERVICE 

SIDE PROPS 

For Wilfred: — Lot of papers, letters, etc. 1 letter 

partly written not in envelope. 
For Martha : — Off L. 3, large official brown envelope. 
For Mrs. Varney : — Off l. c. (at top of stairs) 

Wilfred's cap and belt, roll of gray blankets tied, 

open written letter. 
For Arrelsford: — Same paper taken from Jonas, 

Act I. 
For Thorne: — Sure fire army revolver in holster. 

Act III 

Interior: — The War Department Telegraph Office. 
Grroundcloth, to represent board floor. Wide 
mantel shelf and fireplace down r. Front of 
fireplace plain solid table rather long and 
narrow. On table, 4 telegraph instruments of 
the period 1865, connected each separately to 
sounder and key off stage R. Pens, inkwells, 
paper (manila), telegraph-blanks (form used 
by Confederate war department), spindles, etc. 

On wall : — Above mantel Rough hooks to hang coats 
on. 

On mantel: — Piles of old messages and books. 

Plain solid table R. c. fastened firmly to floor. 

On table : — 2 telegraph instruments of the period 
connected each separately off stage R. 

Paper, pens, ink, telegraph forms of the period. 

Small cup about the size of a sponge cup sunk in 
table and containing sponge and carmine for 
Captain Thome's bloody hand business. Pot 
ox* paste and brush. 

Revolver on shelf of table. The Telegraph wires 
from these instruments on both tables drop down 
to floor in full view of audience and carried 
across and out through upper part of fireplace to 
table off stage. Where each instrument on stage 
is connected to an instrument off stage; have 



SECRET SERVICE 9 

off stage instruments all on one table; the ones 
for the long table near F. P. are lettered B. and 
C. those on tile table e. c, lettered A. and D. 
frm the top of the F. P. fake wires run up side 
of scene to ceiling and across stage to center 
window, out of that window and up out of sight; 
have large glass insulators such as were used 
then to carry wires. 

2 Common chairs at long table E. 

1 Common chair at table e. c. 

1 Chair up c. 

Waste paper basket full of waste paper e. c. 

In Closet up c. : — Shelves containing battery jars and 
rubbish natural to a telegraph office. Boxes 
— Rubbish, etc. Have lot of battery jars under 
table in front of F. P. with proper connections 
(faked). 

Big double break away doors up e. c. These have 
big iron bar and cleats on audience side. These 
doors must be very solid and are practically 
smashed to bits each performance with butts of 
guns hinges in down stage one should break 
away. 

If windows L. are not real glass have glass crash 
effect off l. supposed to be breaking of glass 
when shot is fired through window. 

Lot of waste paper (old despatches on floor). 

SIDE PROPS 

For Thome : — Sure fire revolver, official order, official 

despatch, cigar, matches. 
For Edith: — Official commission. 
For Caroline: — Official order. 
For Eddinger: — Official order. 
For Arrelsford: — Official order, sure fire revolver. 
For Messenger: — 1 Official despatch. 
For "Mr ^•ii-.'cr : — 1 Official despatches. 
For S. M. : — Sure fire revolver. 
Springfield rifles and bayonets. 



10 SECRET SERVICE 

Act IV 

SAME SETS AS ACTS I AND II 

Furniture slightly disarranged as is left after dis- 
turbance of Act II. 

Distant ca.unon eifeet off r. 

Distant musketry effect off R. 

Loud bomb shell effects and flashes; hurried and 
violent ringing of alarm in distance off R. deep 
low tone like fire bell (Get as near as possible 
tone of bell used for purpose in Richmond). 

4 Big toned chimes. . 

Effects of cavalry, artillery, etc., passing horses' hoofs, 
rattling of sabers and gun carriages, chain effect 
off r., crunching effect on gravel road. (All the 
above on cues both very distant and close). 

SIDE PROPS 

For Thorne : — Fuller's-earth, dark cloth for bandage, 

revolver. 
For Wilfred: — White neck bandage, fuller's-earth. 
For Mrs. Varney: — Ladies' linen handkerchief. 
For Jonas: — Springfield cartridge with bullet; 

separate bullet. 
For Orderly : — Fuller's-earth. 

For Soldier : — Off l. small basin of water and cloth. 
For 8 Soldiers: — Dummy Springfield cartridges, 

powder removed but bullets put back in their 

cartridge-boxes. 

EFFECTS DURING THE PLAY:— At intervals 
while the First and Second Acts of this piece are 
in progress occasional distant thunder of cannon 
with flashes, etc., and arrange not to interfere 
with dialogue or scenes. During Last Act, at 



SECRET SERVICE 11 

periods arranged, the artillery effects become 
stronger as a desperate attach is then being made 
upon the Confederate Lines near the Outskirts of 
the City. But even then these effects should be 
subdued and distant. The Fortification Lines 
are from 5 to 10 miles out. 

During First and Fourth Acts — on cues — the 
passing of regiments hurriedly through the 
streets outside. ^Clatter of hoofs, tramp of 
many feet, rattle of gun-carriages, bugle calls, 
orders shouted, etc. 

/ifcemoranoum on 2>falect 

In several of the Characters " Ah " is used 
in the place of " I ". This does not signify 
that it should be pronounced as written. It 
is only to serve as a reminder that the 
Southern pronunciation is a trifle away 
from " I " and toward " Ah " — but not by 
any means reaching it. 



SECRET SERVICE 



ACT I 



Scene: — Drawing-room in General Varney's House 
— Franklin Street — Richmond. 

Eight o'clock 

A richly furnished room. — Southern char- 
acteristics. 

Fire-place on left side. Wide doors or arch up 
left set diagonally open to a front hall. Portieres 
on these doors or arch to draw completely clos- 
ing opening. Stairway seen through these 
doors or arch, in the hall, at back, ascend- 
ing from a landing a few steps high back of 
center of opening, and rising off to L. Entrance 
to street off l. below stairs. Entrance to dining 
room and kitchen off r. below stairs. Both of 
these openings are back of double doors or arch 
up L. c. Wide door at center opening to a back 
parlor which is being used for women who come 
there to sew and work for hospitals. In 
elaborate production these women are seen in 
the room at back seated at tables working, when 
l he doors are opened. Two double French 
uindows on right side, one up stage set oblique, 
and one down, both opening to a wide veranda. 
Shrubbery, etc., beyond the veranda and vines, 
etc., on balustrade and posts of veranda — which 
must be in line of sight for whole house outside 
the upper of these two windows. Both these 
windows are " French " extending down to floor, 
13 



14 SECRET SERVICE 

and to open and close on hinges. They also 
have curtains or draperies which can easily be 
drawn to cover them. Below window down r. 
a ivriting desk and chair. Between these win- 
doivs and pedestal and vase of flowers to be 
knocked over by Thorne in Act IV. Chair 
near pedestal — chair and cabinet R. of c. door 
against wall. Table l. of c. door against wall 
with lamp and vase of flowers. Vouch R. c. 
Table and 2 chairs l. c. Chair each side of 
f. p. Left. Hall seat in hall. Pedestal and 
statue on landing in hall. Dark or nearly dark 
outside windows R. with strong moonlight effect. 
Lights on in hall outside door up Left and in 
room up Center, but not glaring — Light in the 
room itself full on but shaded so that it gives 
subdued effect. No fire in fire-place L. Por- 
tieres on both windows closed at rise, windows 
closed at rise. 

(At rise of curtain low distant boom of cannon- 
ading rolls in distance and quiets down — then i? 
heard again.) 

(Miss Kittridge, one of the women who are 
sewing for the hospitals, enters c. D. comes down 
c. a little — stops, listens to the sound of cannon 
— with a worried look — crosses to window up R. 
looks out. Flashes on her face, then turns and 
goes down toward table at l. c. — She gathers up 
pieces of cloth and linen rags that are on the 
table, looks toward window again, then takes 
them off at door up c. closing the door carefully 
after her) 

(Sounds of a heavy door closing outside l.) 

(Enter at door up l. Wilfred Varney, a handsome 
boy of about sixteen or seventeen — impetuous — 
Southern — black-eyed — dark hair. He is fairly 



SECRET SERVICE 15 

well dressed, but in a suit of clothes that has 
evidently been worn some time. Nothing new 
or " swell " about it. Dark shade. He has a 
determined look on his face, and comes rapidly 
into the room looking about. Tie goes to door 
up c. opens it a little way and looks off. Closes 
it. Goes to window up R. Throws open por- 
tieres and windows and looks anxiously off. Red 
flashes on backing. Distant boom and low 
thunder of cannon.) 

(Enter Martha, a negro servant up l. coming from 
door at foot of stairs. Wilfred turning sees 
her, and crosses toward her.) 

Wilfred. Where's mother? 

Martha. She's up staars with Mars Howard sah. 

Wilfred. Ah've got to see 'er! 

Martha. Mars Howard he's putty bad (lis ebenin' 
— Ah dunno's she'd want to leave 'im. — Ah'll go up 
an' see what she says. (Exit door up l. and up the 
stairway) 

(Wilfred left alone moves restlessly about, especially 
when low rumble of distant cannon is heard. 
Effect of passing artillery in the street outside. 
On hearing it he hurries to the window and 
looks out, continuing to do so while the sounds 
of the passing guns, horses and men are heard. 
While he is at the window r. Mrs. Varxey 
enters, coming down the stairway and on at 
door up left. She is quiet, pule, with white 
or nearly white hair and a rather young face. 
Her dress is black and though rich, is plain. 
Not in the least et dressy" or fashionable. — In 
manner she is calm and self-possessed. She 
pauses and looks at WlLPRED a moment, lie 
turns and sees her. Martha follows her down 
and exits door at foot of stairway.) 

WILFRED, (goes toward her She meeting him 0.) 
Howard isn't worse is he? 






16 SECRET SERVICE 

Mes. Vaeney. Ah'm afraid so. 

Wilfred. Anything Ah can do? 

Mes. Vaeney. (shakes head) No — no. — We can 
only wait — and hope. (Wilfeed walks away a little 
as if he could not quite say the thing on his mind) 
Ah'm thankful there's a lull in the cannonading. 
Do they know why it stopped? (boom of cannon — 
a low distant rumble) 

Wilfeed. (e. c.) It hasn't stopped altogether — 
don't you hear? 

Mes. Vaeney. (c.) Yes, but compared to what it 
was yesterday — you know it shook the house — and 
Howard suffered dreadfully! (Wilfeed suddenly 
faces her) 

Wilfeed. (e. c.) So did I mother ! (slight pause) 
(low boom of cannon) 

Mes. Vaeney. (c.) You! 

Wilfeed. (e. c.) When Ah hear those guns and 
know the fighting's on, it makes me 

Mes. Vaeney. (goes toward table l. c. Interrupt- 
ing quickly) Yes, yes — we all suffered — we all 
suffered, dear ! (sits e. of table L. c.) 

Wilfeed. Mother, Ah want to speak to you ! You 
may not like it but you must listen — you must let me 
— (goes toward her) 

Mes. Vaeney. (motioning so that he stops. 
Slight pause. She soon speaks in a low voice. She 
takes his hand in a motherly way) I know — what 
it is. 

Wilfeed. (l. c.) Ah can't stay back here any 
longer ! It's worse than being shot to pieces ! Ah 
can't do it mother! (Mes. Vaeney looks steadily 
into Wilfeed's face but says nothing. Soon she 
turns away a little as if she felt tears coming into 
her eyes) Why don't you speak? 

Mes. Vaeney. (turning to him. A faint attempt 
to smile) Ah don't know what to say. 

Wilfeed. Say you won't mind if Ah go down 
there and help 'em! 



SECRET SERVICE 17 

Mrs. Varney. It wouldn't be true! 

Wilfred. I can't stay here ! 

Mrs. Varney. You're so young Wilfred ! 

Wilfred. Xo younger than Tom Kittridge — no 
younger than Ell Stuart — nor cousin Stephen — nor 
hundreds of the fellows fighting down there ! — See 
mother — they've called for all over nineteen — that 
was weeks ago ! The eighteen call may be out any 
minute — the next one after that takes me ! Do I 
want to stay back here till they order me out ! Ah 
should think not! (walks about to c. Stops and 
speaks to Mrs. Varney) If Ah was hit with a shell 
an' had to stay it would be different ! But Ah can't 
stand this — Ah can't do it mother! 

Mrs. Varney. (rising and going to him. After 
pause — Turns as if she were giving way to him) 
I'll write to your father. 

Wilfred. Why that'll take forever! You don't 
know where his Division is — they change 'em every 
day ! I can't wait for you to write. 

Mrs. Vaeney. (shakes her head. — Speaks finally) 
I couldn't let you go without his consent ! You must 
be patient! (Wilfred starts slowly toward door 
L. with head lowered in disappointment, — but not 
ill-naturedly. Mrs. Varney looks yearningly after 
him a moment as he moves away, then goes toward 
him) Wilfred ! (Wilfred turns and meets her 
and she holds him and smooths his hair a little ivith 
her hand) Don't feel bad that you have to stay here 
with your mother a little longer! 

Wilfred. Aw — It isn't that ! 

Mrs. Varney. My darling boy — I know it! You 
want to fig] it for your country — and I'm proud of 
you ! I want my sons to do their duty ! But with 
your father commanding a brigade at the front and 
one boy lying wounded — perhaps mortally — (pause. 
MRS. VARNEY moves away a few steps toward R.) 

WILFRED, (after pause — goes to her) Well you'll 
write to father to-night — won't you? 



18 SECRET SERVICE 

Mrs. Varney. Yes — yes! (door bell is heard 
ringing in distant part of the house. Wilfred and 
Mrs. Varney both listen. — Martha crosses outside 
door up L. from R. on her way to open the front door. 
Heavy sound of door of l. In a moment she returns 
and appears at door up L.) 

Martha. Hit's one o' de men fum de hossiple 
ma'am. (Wilfred hurries to door up l. and exits 
to see the messenger) 

Mrs. Varney, We've just sent all the bandages we 
have. 

Martha. He says de's all used up, an' two more 
trains juss come in crowded full o' wounded sojers — 
an' mos' all of 'em drefful bad ! 

Mrs. Varney. Is Miss Kittridge here yet? 

Martha. Yaas'm. 

Mrs. Varney. Ask her if they've got enough to 
send. Even if it's only a little, let them have it. 
What they need most is bandages. 

Martha, (crossing toward door up c.) Yaas'm. 
(exits door up c. Mrs. Varney goes toward the 
door up l. Stops near the door and speaks a word to 
Messenger who is waiting at front door, to attract 
his attention — then beckons him) 

Mrs. Varney. Oh — (beckoning) Come in. 
(she moves toward c. Messenger appears at the 
door up L. He is a cripple soldier in battered 
Confederate uniform. — His arm. is in a sling) 
What hospital did you come from? 

Messenger, (remains up near door l.) The 
Winder, ma'am. 

Mrs. Varney. Have you been to St. Paul's ? You 
know the ladies are working there to-night. 

Messenger. Yes — but they hain't a-workin' for 
the hospitals, mam — they're making sandbags for the 
fortifications. 

Mrs. Varney. Well, I hope we can give you 
something. (Miss Kittridge enters at door up c\ 



SECRET SERVICE 19 

bringing a small bundle of lint, etc. Mrs. Varney 
moves down R. c.) 

Miss Kittridge. This is all there is now. (She 
hands the package to the Messenger) If you'll come 
back in an hour, we'll have more for you. (Mes- 
senger takes package and exits door l. Sound of 
front door closing outside L.) We're all going to 
stay to-night, Miss Yarney. There's so many more 
wounded come in it won't do to stop now. 

Mrs. Varney. (on sofa) No, no — we mustn't 
stop. 

Miss Kittridge. (up l. c.) Is — is your son — is 
there any change? 

Mrs. Varney. Ah'm afraid the fever's increas- 
ing. 

Miss Kittridge. Has the Surgeon seen him this 
evening ? 

Mrs. Varney. No — oh, no! (shaking her head) 
We couldn't ask him to come twice — with so many 
waiting for him at the hospital. 

Miss Kittridge. But they couldn't refuse you 
Mrs. Varney ! (a sudden idea) There's that man 
going right back to the hospital ! I'll call him and 
send word that — (starting toward the door l. to do 
so) 

Mrs. Varney. (detaining her) No no — I can't 
let you! (rises — goes toward her a step) 

Miss Kittridge. Not for — your own son? 

Mrs. Varney. Think how many sons must be 
entirely neglected to visit mine twice ! (sound of 
door outside l. — Enter Edith Varney — a light 
quick entrance — coming from outside — hat in hand 
as if just taking it of as she enters) 

Mrs. Varney. Edith dear ! How late you are ! 
You must be tired out! 

Edith, (shaking head) Ah'm not tired at all ! 
Besides, I haven't been at the hospital all day. Good- 
bye, Miss Kittridge! I want to tell Mama some- 
thing. 



20 SECRET SERVICE 

Miss Kitteidge. dear ! I'll get out of hearing 
right quick! (exit at door up c.) 

Edith, (up to door lightly and calling after Miss 
Kitteidge) I hope you don't mind ! 

Miss Kitteidge. (as she exits up c.) Mercy, no! 
(Edith closes the door and goes to Mes. Vaekey 
taking her down stage to chair e. of table. Mes. 
Vaeney sits in chair and Edith on stool close to her 
on her l. in front of table L. c.) 

Edith. Mama — what do you think? What do 
you think? 

Mes. A 7 aeney. What is it, dear ? 

Edith. Ah've been to see the President ! 

Mes. Varney. What ! — Mr. Davis ! 

Edith. Yes ! An' Ah asked him for an appoint- 
ment for Captain Thorne for the War Department 
Telegraph Service — an' he gave it to me — a Special 
Commission ! Appointing him to duty here in 
Richmond — a very important position — so now he 
won't have to be sent back to the front — an' it'll be 
doing his duty just the same. 

Mrs. Yaeney. But Edith — you don't 

Edith. Yes it will, Mama ! The President told 
me they needed a man who understood telegraphing 
and who was of high enough rank to take charge of 
the Service! And you know Cap'n Thorne is an 
expert ! Since he's been here in Richmond he's 
helped 'em in the telegraph office very often — 
Lieutenant Foray told me so ! (Mes. Vaeney slowly 
rises and moves away toward c. — After a slight 
pause) Now, Mama, Ah feel you're going to scold 
— an' you mustn't because it's all fixed, an' the com- 
mision'll be sent over here in a few minutes — just 
as soon as it can be made out ! An' the next time he 
comes Ah'm to hand it to him myself, (crosses down 
L.) 

Mes. Vaeney. (moves toward table) He's coming 
this evening. 



SECRET SERVICE 21 

Edith, (looks at Mrs. Varney an instant before 
speaking. — Then in low voice) How do you 
know ? 

Mrs. Varney. (going bach of table) This note 
came half an hour ago. (about to hand note from 
table to Edith. — Edith sees note and anticipates 
her action — picking it up and going quickly R. with 
it) 

Edith. Has it been here — all this time? (she sits 
on divan r. and opens envelope eagerly, and reads 
note) 

Mrs. Varney. (after a moment) You see what 
he says ? This'll be his last call. — He's got his orders 
to leave, (sits R. of table l. c.) 

Edith, (sitting on divan R. c.) Why, it's too 
ridiculous ! Just as if the commission from the 
President wouldn't supersede everything? It puts 
him at the head of the Telegraph Service ! He'll be 
in the command of the Department! — He says — 
(glancing at note) good-by call does he! All the 
better — it'll be that much more of a surprise! (ris- 
ing and going toward Mrs. Varney) Now Mama, 
don't you breathe — Ah want to tell him myself ! 

Mrs. Varney. But Edith dear — Ah don't quite 
approve of your going to the President about this. 

Edith, (changing from light manner to earnest- 
ness) But listen, Mama — Ah couldn't go to the 
War Department people — Mr. Arrelsford's there in 
one of the offices — and ever since Ah refused him 
you know how he's treated me! — (slight deprecatory 
motion from Miss Varney) If Ah'd applied for 
the appointment there he'd have had it refused — 
and he'd have got them to order Cap'n Thorne away 
right off — Ah know he would — and — (stands motion- 
less as she thinks of it) That's where his orders to go 
came from ! 

Mbs. Vaeney. But my dear 

Edith. It is, Mama! (slight pause) Isn't it 



22 SECRET SERVICE 

lucky I got that commission to-day! (Emphasis on 
"Isn't." Crossing down R. — at R. c. near lounge) 
(door hell rings in distant part of the house, — Jonas 
goes across hall to the door up l. — Mrs. Varney 
moves up stage a little waiting to see who it is. — 
Edith listening. — Heavy sound of door of l. — 
Jonas enters at the door up l.) 

Jonas, (coming down r. of Mrs. Varney) It's 
a officer, ma'am. He says he's fum de President — an 
— (hands a card to Mrs. Varney) he's got ter see 
Miss Edith pnssonully. 

Edith, (going up c. a little. Low voice) It's 
come, Mama ! 

Mrs. Varney. {rises and goes up c. toward 
Edith) Ask the gentleman in. (hands card to 
Edith. Jonas exits at door up l.) 

Edith, (overjoyed hut keeping voice low) It's the 
commission ! 

Mrs. Varney. (low voice) Do you know who it 
is? (showing Edith the card) 

Edith, (glances at card. Low voice) No ! But 
he's from the President — it must be that ! 

(Enter Jonas at door up l. He comes on a little 
howing someone in.) 

(Enter Lieut. Maxwell at door up l. — He is a very 

dashing young officer, handsome, polite and 

dressed in a showy and perfectly fitting uniform. 

Jonas exits at up l. Mrs. Varney advances a 

little.) 

Lieut. Maxwell. Good evening. (howing) 

(Mrs. Varney and Edith how slightly. To Mrs. 

Varney) Have Ah the honah of addressing Miss 

Varney ? 

Mrs. Varney. (c.) I am Mrs. Varney, sir. 
(emphasizing "Mrs." a little) 
Lieut. Maxwell, (l. c. Bowing to Mrs. 



SECRET SERVICE 23 

Varney) Madam — Ah'm very much afraid this 
looks like an intrusion on my part, but Ah come from 
the President and he desires me to see Miss Varney 
personally ! 

Mrs. Varney. Anyone from the President could 
not be otherwise than welcome. — This is my daughter. 
(indicating Edith who is R. c.) 

(Lieut. Maxwell bows to Edith and she returns 
the salutation. He then walks across' to her, 
talcing a large brown envelope from his belt.) 

Lieut. Maxwell. Miss Varney, the President 
directed me to deliver this into your hands — with his 
compliments, (handing it to Edith) He is glad to 
be able to do this not only at your request, but as a 
special favor to your father, General Varney. 

Edith, (talcing envelope) Oh, thank you! (goes 
down r. c. a little) 

Mrs. Varney. Won't you be seated, Lieutenant? 

Edith, (in front of couch R. c.) yes — do! 
(holds envelope pressed very tight against her side) 

Lieut. Maxwell, (down c.) Nothing would 
please me so much, ladies — but Ah have to be back at 
the President's house right away. Ah'm on duty 
this evening. — Would you mind writing me off a line 
or two, Miss Varney — just to say you have the com- 
munication? 

Edith. Why certainly — (takes a step or two to- 
ward desk at right) You want a receipt — I — (turns 
and crosses toward door up l.) I'll go upstairs to 
my desk — it won't take a moment! (turns at door) 
And — could I put in how much J thank him for his 
kindness? 

Lieut. Maxwell, (c.) Ah'm sure he'd be more 
than pleased! (Edith exits at door up L. and 
hastens up the stairway outside L.) 

Mrs. V a i:\ky. (moving forward slowly) We 



24 SECRET SERVICE 

haven't heard so much cannonading to-day, Lieu- 
tenant. Do they know what it means? 

Lieut. Maxwell, (going forward with Mrs-. 
Varney) Ah don't think they're quite positive, 
ma'am, but they can't help lookin' for a violent attack 
to follow. 

Mrs. Varney. I don't see why it should quiet 
down before an assault! 

Lieut. Maxwell, (near c.) It might be some 
signal, ma'am, or it might be they're moving their 
batteries to open on a special point of attack. They're 
tryin' ev'ry way to break through our defenses you 
know. 

(Door bell rings in distant part of house.) 

Mrs. Varney. It's very discouraging ! (seats 
herself r. of table l. c.) We can't seem to drive 
them back this time ! 

Lieut. Maxwell. We're holding 'em where they 
are though ! They'll never get in unless they do it 
by some scurvy trick — that's where the danger lies ! 
(heavy sound of door off l.) 

(Enter Edith coming lightly and quickly down the 
stairway up l. As Edith speaks Maxwell goes 
up c. a little to meet her.) 
Edith, (entering, with a note in her hand, and 
without the official envelope, which she has left in 
her room upstairs) Is Lieutenant Maxwell — (See- 
ing him down stage with Mrs. Varney and going 
across toward him ) yes ! 

(Jon ; ls enters at door up l. as Edith reaches up c, 
showing in Captain Thorne.) 
Jonas, (as he enters. Low voice) Will you jess 
kinely step dis way, suh ! 

(Mrs. Varney rises and moves doion in front of 
and then up l. of table. Maxwell turns and 
meets Edith up r. c.) 



SECRET SERVICE 25 

Edith, (meeting Maxwell up r. c.) I didn't 
know bnt you — (she stops — hearing Jonas up l. and 
quickly turns, looking off L.) Oh ! — Captain Thorne ! 

(Enter Captain Thorne at door up l. meeting and 
shaking hands with Edith nearly up c. — 
Captain Thorne is dressed as a Confederate 
Captain of Artillery. His uniform is some- 
what worn and soiled. Lieut. Maxwell turned 
and moved up a little on Edith's entrance, 
remaining a little r. of c. Jonas exits up l. c.) 

Edith, (up c. Giving Thorne her hand briefly) 
We were expecting yon! — Here's Captain Thorne, 
mama ! 

(Mrs. Varney moves up l. meeting Thorne up 
l. c. and shaking hands with him graciously. — 
Edith turns away and goes to Lieut. Maxwell 
up r. c. — Thorne and Mrs. Varney move up 
c. near small table and converse, well up out of 
the way.) 

Edith, (r. c. Going to Lieut. Maxwell) I 
wasn't so very long writing it, was I Lieutenant? 
(she hands Lieut. Maxwell the note she has written 
to the President) 

Lieut. Maxwell, (up r. c.) Ah've never seen a 
quicker piece of work, Miss Varney. (putting note 
in belt or pocket) When you want a clerkship ovah 
at the Government offices you must shorely let me 
know ! 

Edith, (smilingly) You'd better not commit 
yourself — Ah might take you at your word ! 

Lieut. Maxwell. Nothing would please me so 
much Ali'm sure ! All you've got to do is just to 
apply ! 

Edith. Lots of the girls are doing it — they have 
to, to live ! Aren't there a good many where you 
are? 



26 SECRET SERVICE 

Lieut. Maxwell. Well we don't have so many 
as they do over at the Treasury. Ah believe there 
are more ladies there than men ! 

Mes. Vaeney. (comes down a little) Perhaps 
yon gentlemen have met! — (glancing toward Lieut. 
Maxwell) 

(Thoene shakes head a little and steps forward l. c 
looking at Maxwell.) 

Mes. Vaeney. (introducing) Cap'n Thorne — 
Lieutenant Maxwell. 

Thoene. (slight inclination of head) Lieutenant. 

Lieut. Maxwell, (returning bow pleasantly) I 
haven't had that pleasure — though Ah've heard the 
Cap'n's name mentioned several times ! 

Thoene. Yes? (Mes. Vaeney and Edith are 
looking at Maxwell cheerfully) 

Lieut. Maxwell, (as if it were rather amusing) 
In fact Cap'n, there's a gentleman in one of our 
offices who seems mighty anxious to pick a fight with 
you! 

(Edith is suddenly serious and a look of apprehen- 
sion spreads over Mes. Vaeney's face.) 

Thoene. (easily) Pick a fight! Really! Why 
what office is that, Lieutenant ? 

Lieut. Maxwell, (slightly annoyed) The War 
Office, sir! 

Thoene. Dear, dear ! Ah didn't suppose you had 
anybody in the War Office who wanted to fight ! 

Lieut. Maxwell, (almost angry) An' why not, 
sir? 

Thoene. (easily) Well if he did he'd hardly be 
in an office would he — at a time like this? 

Lieut. Maxwell, (trying to be light again) Ah'd 
better not tell him that, Cap'n — he'd certainly insist 
on havin' you out ! 

Thoene. (moving down l. c. with Mes. Vaeney) 



SECRET SERVICE 27 

That would be too bad — to interfere with the gentle- 
man's office hours ! (Thorne and Mrs. Varney 
move down l. c. near table — in conversation) 

Lieut. Maxwell, (to Edith) He doesn't believe 
it, Miss Varney, — but it's certainly true, an' I dare 
say you know who the 

Edith, (quickly interrupting Maxwell — loiv 
voice) Please don't Lieutenant! — I — (an apprehen- 
sive glance toward Thorne) I'd rather not — 
(with' a slight catch of breath) — talk about it! 

Lieut. Maxwell, (after short pause of surprise) 
Yes, of course ! — Ah didn't know there was any 

Edith, (interrupting again, with attempt to turn 
it off) Yes ! (a rather nervous effort to laugh 
lightly) — You know there's always the weather to 
fall back on! 

Lieut. Maxwell, (picking it up easily) Yes — 
Ah should say so ! An' mighty bad weather too — 
most of the time ! 

Edith, (laughingly) Yes — isn't it! (they laugh 
a little and go on talking and laughing to themselves, 
moving toward R. upper window for a moment and 
soon move across toward door up L. as if Maxwell 
were going) 

Mrs. Varney. (back of table l. a, r. of Thorne) 
From your note Captain Thorne, I suppose you're 
leaving us soon. Your orders have come. 

Thorne. (back of table l. c. l. of Mrs. Varney) 
Yes — Mrs. Varney they have. — Ah'm afraid this'll 
be my last call. 

Mrs. Varney. Isn't it rather sudden? It seems 
to me they ought to give you a little time. 

Thorne. Ah well (slight smile) we have to be 
ready for anything you know! 

Mrs. Varney. (with a sigh) Yes — I know! — It's 
been a great pleasure to have you drop in on us while 
you were here. We shall quite miss your visits. 

Thorne. (a slight formality in maimer) Thank 



28 SECRET SERVICE 

yon. I shall never forget what they've been to me, 
(Maxwell is talcing leave of Edith up c.) 

Edith, (up c.) Lieutenant Maxwell is going, 
Mama! 

Mks. Vaeney. So soon ! Excuse me a moment, 
Captain! (goes hurriedly toward Maxwell. — 
Thorne goes down l. of table L. c. near mantel) 
Ah'm right sorry to have you hurry away, Lieutenant. 
We shall hope for the pleasure of seeing you again. 
(e. of Maxwell) 

Lieut. Maxwell. Ah shall certainly call, Mrs. 
Varney — if you'll allow me. — Cap'n! (saluting 
Thoene from near door up l.) 

Thoene. (turning from mantel. Half salute) 
Lieutenant ! 

Maxwell. Miss Varney! Mrs. Varney! (bow- 
ing to each. Exits door up l. Mes. Vaeney follows 
Maxwell off at door up l. — speaking as she goes) 

(Thoene turns to booh or something on table l. c. 
after saluting Maxwell.) 

Mrs. Vaeney. (as she goes off with Maxwell) 
Now remember Lieutenant, you're to come sometime 
when duty doesn't call you away so soon! 

(Edith turns and moves slowly to table up c. on 
Maxwell's exit) 

Lieut. Maxwell, (outside. — Voice getting more 
distant) Trust me to attend to that, Mrs. Varney ! 

(Edith at small table up c. — After a little pause 
Thoene looks toward her. Heavy sound of door 

Of L.) 

Thoene. (moving up a little toward Edith who is 
up c. near small table) Shall I see Mrs. Varney 
again ? 

Edith, (getting a rose from vase on table up l. c. 



SECRET SERVICE 29 

Turning at table up L. c.) Oh yes — you'll see her 
a.^ain ! — But not just now. (she moves down c. a 
little coming even with Thorne who is l. of her) 

Thorne. I haven't long to stay. 

Edith, (moving down c. a little. Thorne moves 
with her to bach of table) Oh — not long! 

Thorne. (as he moves down with her) No — I'm 
•sorry to say. 

Edith, (down c. a little) Well — do you know — 
Ah think you have more time than you really think 
you have ! It won Id be odd if it came out that way 
— wouldn't it? (playing ivith flower in her hand) 

Thorne, Yes — but it won't come out that way. 

Edith. Yes — but you — (she stops as Thorne is 
tolling the rose from her hand — which she was hold- 
ing up in an absent way as she talked. Thorne at 
the same time holds the hand she had it in. She lets 
go of the rose and draws away her hand) 

(Slight pause.) 

Edith, (a little embarrassed) You know — you 
can sit down if you want to ! (indicating chair at l. 
of table) 

Thorne. Yes — I see. 

Edith, (sits r. of table l. c.) You'd better! — 
Oh, I've a great many things to say! 

Thorne. Oh — you have ! 

Edith, (nodding. — Her left hand is on the table) 
Yes. 

Thorne. I have only one. 

Edith, (looking up at him) And — that is — ? 

Thorne. (taking her l. hand in both of his) 
Good-bye. 

Edith. But Ah don't really think you'll have to 
say it! 

THORNE. (looking tenderly down at her) I know 
I will ! 

Edith, (low voice — more serious) Then it'll be 
because you want to! 



30 SECRET SERVICE 

Thorne. (quickly leaning forward and down to 
her) No ! It will be — because I must. 

Edith, (rising slowly and looking at him a little 
mischievously as she does so) Oh — because you 
must! (Thorne nods a little — saying "yes" with 
his lips. Edith walks towards c. thinking whether 
to tell him or not. — He watches her. — She suddenly 
turns back and goes again to table L. c. Leaning 
toward him a little over the table) You don't know 
some things I do ! 

Thorne. (laughing a little first) Ah think that's 
more than likely, Miss Varney! (Thorne goes to 
l. of table l. c.) Would you mind telling me a few 
so Ah can somewhat approach you in that respect? 

Edith, (r. of table l. c. Seriously) Ah wouldn't 
mind telling you one, and that is, it's very wrong for 
you to think of leaving Richmond yet ! 

Thorne. Ah — but you don't — — 

Edith, (sits in chair R. of table l. o. Breaking in 
quickly) Oh, yes, Ah do ! 

Thorke. (sits in chair L. of table L. c. Looking 
up at her amused) Well — what? 

Edith. Whatever you were going to say! Most 
likely it was that there's something or other Ah don't 
know about! — But Ah know this — (looking away 
front — eyes lowered a little) you were sent here only 
a few weeks ago to recover from a very bad wound — 
(Thorne looks down and a little front quickly, a 
sudden expression of pain on his face) — and you 
haven't nearly had time for it yet! 

Thorke. (as if amused) Ha ha — yes. (looking 
up at Edith, with usual expression) Ah do look as 
if the next high wind would blow me away, don't I ? 

Edith, (turning to him earnestly — half rising) 
No matter how you look, you ought not — Oh — (rising 
fully and turning away from him) You're just 
making fun of it, like you always do ! (goes up c. 
to near table. — Turns to Thorne again) No matter ! 



SECRET SERVICE 31 

You can make all the fun you like, but the whole 
thing is settled, and you aren't going away at all ! 

(Thorne has risen when Edith did.) 

Thorne. Oh — Ah'm not ! 

Edith. No ! 

Tiioene. Well, that's quite a change for me ! 
(puts hat on table and moves up near Edith going 
lack of table) Perhaps you wouldn't mind telling 
me what I am going to do? 

Edith, {up c. a little. Turning to him) Ah 
wouldn't mind at all — an' it's this — you see Ah've 
been to the — (hesitates) Now! Ah'm almost afraid 
to tell you ! 

Thorne. (near Edith — left of her) Don't tell 
me Miss Varney — because it's really true. I've got 
my orders — I'm leaving to-night. 

(Edith looks at Thorne an instant — then turns and 
goes R. and sits on lounge or ottoman, looking at 
him from there.) 

Edith, (after looking at Thorne an instant) 
Where — to the front? 

(Thorne moves over to Edith r.) 

Thorne. We can't always tell where orders'll take 
us. (he sits on the lounge beside her — on her left) 

Edith, (after Thorne is seated near her) But 
listen! Supposing there were other orders — from a 
higher authority — appointing you to duty here? 

Thorne. (eyes lowered before him) It wouldn't 
make any difference. 

Edith, (sudden alarm) You don't — you don't 
mean 3'ou'd go — in spite of them? (THORNE raises 
his eyes to hers in slight surprise at her sudden 
earnestness, and looks at her an instant. Then lie 
nods affirmatively) But if it proved your first order 
was a mistake — and — (in her earnestness she makes 
a Utile motion with tier left hand within his reach) 



32 SECRET SERVICE 

Thoene. (taking her hand in his) It wasn't a 
mistake (they look at one another. — He hesitates, 
Looks down before him. — Looks up in her face an 
instant — then releasing her hand rises and moves up 
E. c. a little standing faced up toward window) 

(After watching Thoene until he is motionless 
Edith rises and comes up c. to l. of him.) 

Edith, (up c. With a new apprehension) Is it — 
something dangerous ? 

Thoene. (up e. o. Turning to Edith and speak- 
ing lightly) Oh, well — (slight laugh) enough to 
make it interesting! 

Edith, (low voice) Don't be angry if I ask you 
again about your orders — I must know! 

Thoene. Why ? 

Edith. No matter — tell me ! 

Thoene. (slight shake of head) I can't do that 
Miss Varney. 

Edith. You needn't! Ah know! (Thoene 
a sudden apprehensive glance to front. Looks back 
to her at once) They're sending you on some mis- 
sion where death is almost certain. They'll sacrifice 
your life because they know you are fearless and will 
do anything! There's a chance for you to stay here 
and be just as much nse — and Ah'm going to ask 
jou to do this ! It isn't your life alone — there are 
other lives to think of — that's why I ask you! — It 
may not sound well — but — you see 

Thoene. (catching her hands passionately) Ah 
my — (suddenly recovering and partly turning away 
— not, however, releasing her hands) No no ! — 
You shan't have this against me too ! 

Edith. Against you! Why? Why? What do 
you mean ? Why is it against you ? 

Thoene. (holding her hands close against him) 
Because I must go — my business is elsewhere — I 
ought never to have seen .you or spoken to you — but I 



SECRET SERVICE 33 

had to come to this house — and you were here — 
and how could I help it? Oh — I couldn't — for my 
whole — it's only you in the— (stops. Recovers. Re- 
leases her hands. Turns blindly n.—Then as if to 
go l.) Your mother — I'll say good-bye to her! 

Edith, (c. on his l. Going quickly in his way) 
Mo! — You must listen! They need you here in 
Richmond ! — The President told me so himself ! — 
Your orders are to stay ! You are given a Special 
Commission on the War Department Telegraph ser- 
vice, and you 

Thorne. (c. Quickly, decisively, tut in subdued 
voice) No! No ! I won't take it! I couldn't take- 
it Miss Varney ! 

Edith. You'll do that much for me ! 

Thorne. (holding her hands) It's for you that 
I'll do nothing of the kind ! If you ever think of mc 
again remember I refused it! 

Edith, (breaking into Thorne' s last few words) 
You can't refuse ! It's the President's request — it's 
his order! (leaving him and going toivard door) 
Please wait a minute ! I left it upstairs and you'll 
see 

Tiiorne. No! Don't get it! — (following her) 
Don't get it ! I won't look at it ! 

Edith, (stops and turns) But I want you to 
see what it is ! It puts you at the head of everything ! 
You have entire control ! When you see it Ah know 
you'll accept! Please wait! (Edith exits at door 
up l. and runs up the stairway) 

Thorne. (as she goes) Miss Varney — I can't 

Edith, (as she goes) Oh yes you can ! 

(Thorne stands looking off after Edith for an 
instant. Then turns and hurries down to table 
L. o. and seizing his hat, star Is raj) idly up to 
wards door up l. as if to go. — As Thorne starts 
down for hat sound of henry door on! side L. 
opening and closing with a bung.) 



U SECRET SERVICE 

(Enter at door up l. Caroline Mitford, skipping m 
lightly and quick after sound of door, crossing 
back of Thorne to up c. She is breathless from 
having run across the street. — Tier dress is made 
of what is supposed to have been a great grand- 
mother's wedding gown as light and pretty as 
possible — with a touch of the old-fashioned in 
cut and pattern. She is very young, girlish, 
lively and attractive. Has a slight assumption 
of military air in way of speaking and in her 
behavior, upon occasions when it comes in.) 
Caroline, (comes quickly on to c. without seeing 
Thorne. Seeing Thorne — stops abruptly) Oh! — 
Good evening! 

Thorne, (stepping aside to let her pass, — 
Mechanical salute with hat in right hand) Miss 
Mitford ! (stands an instant in the doorway looking 
up the stairs, uncertain what to do) 

Caroline, (saluting) Yes of co'se — Ah forgot! 
— How lucky this is ! You're just the very person 
Ah wanted to see! (going toward lounge E. c.) 
Ah'll tell you all about it in just a minute ! Goodness 
me! (sits) Ah'm all out o'breath — just runnin' 
ovah from our house ! (sitting on the lounge e. c. 
and devoting herself to breathing for an instant) 

Thorne. (going quickly down to Caroline at 
r. c.) Miss Mitford — would you do something for 
me! 

Caroline. Why of co'se Ah would ! 
Thorne. (rapidly) Thank you very much ! — Tell 
Miss Varney when she comes down — Just say good- 
night for me and tell her I've gone! (turns l. 
quickly and starts toward door. Stops and turns to 
her when Caroline speaks) 

Caroline, (pretending astonishment) Why Ah 
wouldn't do such a thing for the wide, wide world ! 
It would be a wicked dreadful lie — because you won't 
be gone! 



SECRET SERVICE 3§ 

Thorne. (looking at Caroline from near o. for 
an instant. Then goes down near her) I'm sorry 
you look at it that way. — Good-night, Miss Mitford! 
{turns to go) 

Caroline, (jumping to her feet and catching 
Thorne by right arm, going in front of him and 
teaming round on his left between him -and the door) 
No no ! — You don't seem to understand ! Ah've got 
something to say to you ! 

Thorne. (hurriedly) Yes — but some other time 
— (trying to go) 

Caroline, (detaining him) No no no! — Waitl 
(Thorne stops) There isn't any other time! It's 
to-night ! — We're going to have a starvation party ! 

Thorne. Good heavens — another of those things ! 

Caroline. Yes — we are ! It's goin' to be ovah at 
mah house this time ! Now we'll expect you in half 
an hour, (her finger up to emphasize the time) 

Thorne. Thank you, Miss Mitford, but I can't 
come! (indicating off l.) I've got to be — (inter- 
rupted) 

Caroline, (interrupting) N — n — n — (until she 
quiets him) Now that wouldn't do at all! You 
went to Mamie Jones's! Would you treat me like 
that? 

Thorne. Mamie Jones — that was last week 
Thursday — (Caroline trying to stop him with " now 
now — now!''' etc.) Her mother — (Caroline louder 
with her stammering " now — now ! " Thorne raises 
his voice above the din) Her mother 

(As Caroline is still going on he gives it up and 
looks front in despair.) 

Caroline, (when quiet has coma. — Very dis- 
tinctly) Now there isn't any use o' talkin' ! 

Thorne. (nod) Yes I see that! 

Caroline. Didn't you promise to obey when Ah 
gave orders? Well, these are orders! (she turns i | 



36 SECRET SERVICE 

Thorne. (turning to her for a last attempt) Yes, 
but this time 

Caroline, (turns on him) This time is just the 
same as all the other times only worse ! (turns away 
and goes to bach of table l. c. and picks up flower) 
(Thorne looks at her, then turns and goes a little 
way toward up R. c. as if discouraged) 

Caroline, (without turning) Besides that she 
expects it. 

: (Thorne turns at once and looks across at 
Caroline.) 

Thorne. What did you say? (he moves down c. 
toward her) 

Caroline, (at table l. c. — Smelling a flower 
daintily. Facing front) Ah say — she expects it — 
that's all ! 

Thorne. Who do you mean ? 

Caroline, (turns and looks at him) Who? 

Thorne. (assent) Umhm! 

Caroline, (innocently) Who expects you? 

Thorne. (assent again) Ah ha ! 

Caroline. Why Edith of co'se! Who did you 
s'pose Ah was talkin' about all this time ? 

Thorne. Oh! She expects me to — (gesture up 
toward door up l.) 

Caroline. Why of co'se she does! — Just to take 
her ovah ! — Goodness me ! You needn't stay if you 
don't want to ! Mow Ah'll go an' tell her you're 
waiting — that's what Ah'll do. (starts up toward 
door up l. c. — Stops and turns at door) You won't 
go now? 

Thorne. If she expects it Miss Mitford (moving 
up toward Caroline) I'll wait an' take her over — 
but I can't stay a minute ! 

Caroline. Well Ah thought you'd come to your 
senses some time or other ! — You don't seem to quite 
realize what you've got to do ! — See here, Mr. Cap- 



SECRET SERVICE 37 

tain — (bringing him down c. a little with her — on 
her ri V she most read)'? 

Thorne. (hesitates) Well — e — how do I — how — 

Caroline. What dress did she have on? 

Thorne. (looks down at Caroline an instant be- 
fore speaking ) — Dress ? 

Caroline. Oh, yon men! Why she's only got 
two ! 

Thorne. (relieved) Yes — well then very likely 
this was one of them, Miss Mitford ! 

Caroline, (letting go his arm. Starting up to- 
ward door) Oh, no mattah — Ah'm going up any- 
way ! (Thorne moves up c. as Caroline goes up 
L. c. Caroline stops up l. c. near door and turns 
to Thorne) Cap'n Thorne — you can wait out there 
on the veranda! (pointing to window up R.) 

Thorne. (glances where she points — then to her) 
I know — but if I wait right here she'll 

Caroline. (majestically) Those are orders! 
(Thorne looks at her an instant — then salutes and 
wheels about making complete turn to R. and starts 
toward the window at R. Caroline is watching him 
admiringly. As Thorne reaches R. c.) It's cooler 
outside you know! 

Thorne. (turning to her at R. c. and standing in 
stiff military attitude) Pardon me, Miss Mitford — 
orders never have to be explained! 

line. That's right! — I take back the ex- 
planation ! (with odd little salute stepping one step 
to her R. on it) 

Thorne. (with deferential salute in slight imita- 
tion of hers — but with step to his left) That's right 
Miss Mitford — lake it hack! ('/urns and is reach- 
ing to pull aside curtains of window with right hand) 

Caroline. And— oh yes! — Cap'n! 

(Thorne turns to her again questioningly right 

hand still holding curtain behind him,) 



38 SECRET SERVICE 

Caroline, (a peremptory order) Smoke ! 

(For an instant Thoene does not understand. Then 
he sees it and relapses at once into easy manner, 
stepping forward a little and feeling with right 
hand in coat front for cigar — turning somewhat 
to front.) 

Thoene. (as above — after seeing it) Oh — ha 
ha — (smiling) you mean one of those Nashville sto — 

Caroline. Silence sir! (Thoene loolcs round at 
her quickly) Orders never have to be explained! 

Thoene. (with salute) Right again Miss Mit- 
ford — orders never have to be explained! (Exits at 
window up E.) 

Caroline, (loolcs admiringly after Thoene) 
He's splendid! If Wilfred was only like that! 
(thinks) But then — our engagement's broken off 
anyway so what's the diff! — Only — if he was like 
that — Ah'd — no! Ah don't think Ah'd — (shakes 
head) 

(Enter Mes. Vaeney at door Left. Caeoline does 
not notice her until she comes near — then breaks 
of in middle of sentence about Wilfeed and 
goes right on in same breath.) 

Why how dy do ! 

Mes. Vaeney. Why Caroline dear! What are 
you talking about all to yourself ! 

Caeoline. (confused) Oh — just — Ah was just 
saying you know — that — why Ah don't know — Ah 
don't really know what Ah was goin' to — e — Do you 
think it's goin' to rain? 

Mes. Vaeney. Dear me, child — I haven't thought 
about it! — Why what have you got on? — Is that a 
new dress? 

Caeoline. New dress ! Well Ah should think 
so! These are my great grandmother's mother's 
weddin' clothes ! Aren't they just the most beau- 



SECRET SERVICE 39 

fleist you ever saw ! Just in the nick of time too ! 
Ah was on my very last rags, an' Ah didn't know 
what to do — an' Mama gave me a key and told me to 
open an old horsehair trunk in the garret — an' Ah 
did — and these were in it! {takes a dance step or 
two, holding it out) Just in time for the starvation 
party to-night ! Ran ovah here to show it to Edith 
— where is she? 

Mes. Varney. She won't be over to-night, I'm 
afraid, (crosses to R. c.) 

Caroline, (c.) Oh yes she will! 

Mes. Varney. But I've just come down dear! 
Caroline. Yes — but Ah'm just going up dear! 
(Caroline turns and runs quickly up the stairs and 
of to Left. Mes. Varney alone a moment. After 
a little she moves down front in thought. Then 
turns to desk r. and prepares to write a letter. Sud- 
denly Caroline races down the stairs again and runs 
lightly on at door up l. Mes. Vaeney looks up sur- 
prised. Caeoline hurries across toward window up 
E. as if going out) You see Caroline, it was no use! 

Caeoline. (turning) No use! (comes down in 
front of couch near Mes. Vaeney) 

Mes. Vaeney (at desk e.) Why you don't mean 
— in this short time 

Caeoline. Goodness me! Ah didn't stop to 
argue with her — Ah just told her! 

Mes. Vaeney. Told her what, child ! 

Caeoline. Why — that Cap'n Thorne was waitin' 
for her out yere on the v'randah ! 

Mes. Vaeney. She isn't going is she? 

Caeoline. Well, Ah wouldn't like to say for sure 
— (moving nearer Mrs. Varney and lower voice) 
but you just watch which dross she has on when she 
comes down ! Now Ah'll go out there an' tell him 
she'll be down in a minute — then the whole thing's 
finished up all round ! All have more trouble getting 
people fixed so they can conic to my party than it 



40 SECRET SERVICE 

would take to run a blockade into Savannah every 
fifteen minutes ! (she runs off at ivindoiv up R. going 
around in front of couch to do) 

(Mrs. Yarney looks after Caroline with a smile 
for a moment, and then talcing some paper and 
envelopes in her hand, rises and moves as if to go 
to door up l. Enter Wilfred at door up L. 
coming in as if he wished to avoid being seen, 
and looking off up stairway as he enters. He 
carries a package under his coat, which is done 
up in a paper loosely. Wilfred turns quickly 
seeing Mrs. Yarney and makes a very slight 
movement as if to conceal the package he carries. 
He stands looking at her.) 

Mes. Yarney. What have you got there Wilfred? 

Wilfred. Here? (brings out package) — it's 
only — (looks at her a little guiltily) Have you 
written that letter yet? 

Mrs. Yarney. ISTo dear — I've been too busy. 
But I'm going to do it right now. (Mrs. Yarney 
goes across to door at l. Near the door she glances 
round a little anxiously at Wilfred. Wilfred is 
looking at her. Then she exits at door up l. and goes 
up^ the stairs) 

(Wilfred turns away after she has gone. Glances 
round room. — Goes down to table l. c. and 
begins to undo the package cautiously. He has 
hardly got the paper loosened — just enough to 
enable audience to see that it contains a pair of 
military trousers, when Caroline appears at 
windoiv up R.) 

Caroline, (speaking off at window R.) Those are 
orders Cap'n — an' orders never have to be explained ! 

(Wilfred hurriedly stuffs the trousers inside his coat 
and buttons it over them.) 



SECRET SERVICE 41 

Thorne. (outside up r. — at a little distance) 
Perfectly right Miss Mitford! 

(Caroline enters through window up R. dosing it 
after her, hut does not close portieres. Wilfred 
is about to start toward down l. Caroline turn- 
ing from window R. sees Wilfred.) 

Caroline. Good evening Mr. Varney. 

Wilfred, (coldly) Good evening Miss Mitford! 
(both now start rapidly toward door up l. but as it 
brings them toward each other they stop simultane- 
ously up stage in order to avoid meeting) 

Caroline. Excuse me — Ah'm in a hurry! 

Wilfred. That's plain enough! (looks at her) 
Another party Ah reckon ! 

Caroline, (c.) You reckon perfectly correct — it 
is another party! 

Wilfred, (l. c.) Dancing! 

Caroline, (speaks emphatically) What of it? 
What's the matter with dancing Ah'd like to know! 

Wilfred. Nothing's the matter with it — if you 
want to do it ! 

Caroline. Well Ah want to do it fast enough if 
that's all you mean ! 

Wilfred. But I must say it's a pretty way to 
carry on — with the sound of the cannon not six miles 
away! (goes down stage l.) 

(Wilfred is dead in earnest not only in this scene 
but in all his scenes.) 

Caroline, (turns and comes down a Utile c. after 
him) What do .you want us to do? Sit down and 
cry about it? — That would do a heap o } good now 
wouldn't it? 

Wilfred. Oh — I haven't time to talk about it! 
(starts to go) 

Caroline. Well it was you who si trte 1 onl to talk 
about it — Ah'm right sure Ah didn't ! 



42 SECRET SERVICE 

Wilfred, (up l. c. After glance to see that no 
one is near turns on her) Oh — yon needn't try to 
fool me ! Ah know well enough how you've been 
carrying on since our engagement was broken of! I 
Half a dozen officers proposing to yon — a dozen for 
all Ah know ! 

Caroline, (down c. a Utile) What difference does 
it make ? Ah haven't got to marry 'em have I ? 

Wilfred, (l. c.) Well — (twist of head) it isn't 
very nice to go on like that Ah mnst say — proposals 
by the wholesale! (turning away) 

Caroline, (r. c.) Goodness gracious — what's the 
use of talking to me about it? They're the ones 
that propose — Ah don't ! 

Wilfred, (l. c. turning on her) Well what do 
you let 'em do it for? 

Caroline, (r. c.) How can Ah help it? 

Wilfred, (l. c.) Ho! (sneer) Any girl can help 
it ! You helped it with me all right ! 

Caroline, (r. c.) Well — that was different! (a 
queer look at him) 

Wilfred, (l. c.) And ever since you threw rne 
ovah — 

Caroline, (r. c. indignantly) Oh! — Ah didn't 
throw you ovah — you just went ovah! (turns away 
to R. a little) 

Wilfred, (l. c.) Well — Ah went over because 
you walked off alone with Major Sillsby that night 
we were at Drury's Bluff an' encouraged him to pro- 
pose — (Caroline looks round in wrath) Yes — en- 
couraged him! 

Caroline, (r. c.) Of co'se Ah did! Ah didn't 
want 'im hangin' round forever did Ah? That's the 
on'y way to finish 'em off ! 

Wilfred, (l. c.) You want to finish too many of 
'em off! Nearly every officer in the 17th Virginyah 
Ah'll be sworn ! 

Caroline, (r. c.) What do you want me to do — 



SECRET SERVICE 43 

string a placard round my neck saying " No pro- 
posals received here — apply at the office ! " Would 
that make yon feel any better? 

Wilfred, (l. c.) (throwing it off with pretended 
carelessness) Oh — it doesn't make any difference to 
me what you do ! 

Caroline. Well if it doesn't make any difference 
to yon, it doesn't even make as much as that to me! 
(turns and sits on end of couch R. c.) 

Wilered. (turning on her again and going toward 
her to down c.) Oh — it doesn't! Ah think it does 
though ! — You looked as if you enjoyed it pretty well 
while the 3rd Yirginyah was in the city ! 

Caroline. Enjoyed it ! Ah should think Ah did! 
(jumping up) Ah just love every one of 'em! — 
They're on their way to the front ! They're going to 
fight for us — an' an' die for us — an' Ah love 'em 
(turns away) 

Wilfred, (c.) Well why don't you accept one of 
'em an' done with it! 

Caroline, (r. c. turning on him) How do you 
know but what Ah'm going to? 

Wilfred, (goes toward her a little) Ah suppose 
it'll be one of those smart young fellows with a 
cavalry uniform ! 

Caroline, (r. c.) It'll be some kind of a uni- 
form ! It won't be anyone that stays in Richmond — 
Ah can tell you that ! 

Wilfred, (a little r. of c.) (after looking at her 
— unable for a moment to speak — Looks round room 
helplessly) (low voice) Now I see what it was! I 
had to stay in Richmond — an' so you — (unable to go 
on) 

Caroline, (in front of couch r. c.) Well — (Look- 
ing down — playing with something with her foot) 
that made a heap o' difference! (looks up. — Dif- 
ferent tone) Why Ah was the on'v girl on Franklin 
Street that didn't have a — a — (hesitates) — someone 



44 SECRET SERVICE 

she was engaged to at the front ! The on'y one ! 
Just think what it was — to be out of it like that! 
(Wilfred simply looks at her) Why you've no idea 
what Ah suffered! Besides, it's our — our duty to 
help all we can ! 

Wilfred, (near her on her l.) (hoarsely) Help ! 
(thinking of his trousers) 

Caroline. Yes — help ! There aren't many things 
we girls can do — Ah know that well enough! But 
Colonel Woodbridge — he's one o' Morgan's men you 
know — well he told Mollie Pickens that the boys 
fight twice as well when they have a — a sweetheart 
at home ! (Wilfred glances about quickly) 
* Wilfred, (after glance about) He said that did 
he? 

Caroline. Yes — an' if we can make 'em fight 
twice as well — why we just ought to do it — that's all ! 
We girls can't do much but we can do something ! 

Wilfred, (short pause. — He makes an absent- 
minded motion of feeling of the package under his 
arm) You're in earnest are you? 

Caroline. Earnest ! 

Wilfred. You really want to help — all you can! 

Caroline. Well Ah should think so ! 

Wilfred. An' if Ah was — (glances around cau- 
tiously) If I was going to join the army would you 
help me ? 

Caroline, (looking front and down. Slight em- 
barrassment) Why of co'se Ah would — if it was 
anything Ah could do ! 

Wilfred, (earnestly — quite near her) Oh it's 
something you can do all right — Ah'm sure o' that ! 

Caroline, (r. c. Hardly daring to look up) 
What is it? 

Wilfred. (C. Unrolling a pair of old gray army 
trousers taking them from under his coat so that they 
spread before her on cue) Cut these off! (Short 
pause. Caroline looking at trousers. Wilfefrd 



SECRET SERVICE 45 

looking at her. Wilfred soon goes on very earnestly, 
holding them before his own legs to measure) 
They're about twice too long! All you got to do is 
to cut 'em off about there — an' .sew up the ends so 
they won't ravel out ! 

Caroline, (r. c. The idea beginning to dawn on 
her) Why they're for the Army! {taking trousers 
and hugging them to her — legs hanging down) 

Wilffred. (c.) Sh! — Don't speak so loud for 
heaven's sake ! (a glance back as if afraid of being 
overheard) Ah've got a jacket here too! (shows 
her a small army coat) Nearly a fit — came from 
the hospital — Johnny Seldon wore it — -he won't want 

it any more you know an' he was just about my 

size! 

Caroline, (r. c. Low voice) No — he won't 
want it any more, (stands thinking) 

Wilfred, (c. After a slight pause) Well! — Ah 
thought you said you wanted to help ! 

Caroline, (r. c. Quickly) Oh yes — Ah do! Ah 
do! 

Wilfred, (c.) Well go on — what are you waiting 
for? 

Caroline, (r. c. near end of couch) Yes! Yes! 
(hurriedly drops on knees on floor and takes hold 
spreading trousers out exactly and patting them 
smooth) This is the place isn't it? (pointing to 
near the knees) 

Wilfred. No — not up there — Here ! (indicating 
about 3 inches from the bottom of the trouser leg) 

Caroline. Oh yes ! Ah see! (hurriedly snatches 
pins from her dress. Puts one in mouth and one in 
place Wilfred indicates. — All very rapid and earnest. 
— Takes hold of other leg of trousers) 

(NOTE: Only motions of putting pins in mouth — 
do not actually use pins. Stage Manager see to 
this without fail.) 



46 SECRET SERVICE 

{Speaking as if pin in mouth. Innocently — and 
without looking up) The other one just the same? 
(a musical rise to voice at end of this. Wilfred does 
not deign to reply. Caroline hearing nothing looks 
up at him) Oh yes, o' co'se ! (she quickly puts pin 
in other leg of trousers) 

(NOTE: From trouser business Caroline's de- 
meanor toward Wilfred is entirely changed. It 
is because lie is going to join the Army.) 

( Caroline on floor with trousers and coat takes hold 
of the work with enthusiasm — very busy — pins- — etc. 
— etc.) Do you see any scissors around anywhere! 
(Wilfred dashes about looking on tables, after 
putting jacket on end of couch R. c.) This won't 
never tear — (trying to tear off the trousers' leg) — 
for all Ah can do ! 

Wilfred, (first looking on table down l. o. and 
picking up paper jacket was wrapped in. Getting 
a work-basket from table up c. and quickly bringing 
it) There must be some in here! (hands the 
scissors out of the basket to Caroline. — As she 
reaches up from her position on the floor to take them, 
she looks in Wilfred's face an instant — then quickly 
down to work again. Then she works with head 
down. Wilfred leaves wrapping paper up stage out 
of the way) 

(Slight pause.) 

Caroline, (on her knees R. c. near couch. Low 
voice — not looking up at him) When are you goin' 
to wear 'em? 

Wilfred, (c.) When they're cut off! 
(Caroline looks up at him. Thread or scissors in 
mouth.) 

Caroline. You mean — you're really 

Wilfred. Um hm ! (assent) 

Caroline. But your mother 



SECRET SERVICE 47 

Wilfred. She knows it. 

Caroline. Oh ! 

Wilfred. She's going to write the General to- 
night. 

Caroline. But how about if he won't let you? 

Wilfred, (with boyish determination — but keep- 
ing voice down) Ah'll go just the same ! 

Caroline, (suddenly jumps to her feet drop- 
ping everything on the floor and catches his hand) 
Oh Alr'm so glad ! Why it makes another thing of 
it! When Ah said that about staying in Richmond 
Ah didn't know! Oh, Ah do want to help all I can! 

Wilfred, (who has been regarding her burst of 
enthusiasm rather coldly) You do! 

Caroline. Indeed — indeed Ah do ! 

Wilfred. Then cut those oft for Heaven's sake! 

Caroline. Oh yes ! (she catches up trousers, 
jacket, etc., and sits quickly on lounge and excitedly 
paws them over). Where shall Ah eut 'em? 

Wilfred. The same place — Ah haven't grown 
any! 

Caroline. Dear me — Ah don't know where it 
was! 

Wilfred. You stuck some pins in ! 

Caroline, (finding pins) Oh yes — here they 
are ! (seizing the trousers and going to work soon 
cutting off one of the trousers' legs) 

Wilfred. That's it ! 

Caroline. When did you say she was going to 
write. 

Wilfred. To-night. 

Caroline, (looking up with distrust) She doesn't 
want you to go does she? 

WlLFBED. Ah don't reckon she does — very much! 

Caroline. She'll tell him not to Let yon! 

VVilfred. (looks at her with wide open eyes) No! 

Cakoline. That's the way they always do! 

Wilfred. The devil! 



48 SECRET SERVICE 

Caroline. Ah should think so ! 

Wilfred. What can Ah do ! 

Caroline. Write to him yourself. 

Wilfred. Good idea! 

Caroline. Then yon can just tell him what you 
like ! 

Wilfred. Ah'll tell him Ah cant stay here! 

Caroline, {excitedly rising — letting the jacket 
fall on floor at one side) Tell him you're coming 
anyhow ! 

Wilfred. Ah will! 

Caroline. Whether he says so or not! 

Wilfeed. Then he'll say so won't he? 

Caroline. 0' co'se he will — there ain't anything 
else to say ! C j "±* . *» C* * 

Wilfred. Anted©* it! (st arts to go up L. Stops 
and goes bach to Caroline) Say — you're pretty 
good! (catching one of Caroline's hands impul- 
sively. Caroline looks down at work in her hand) 
Ah'll go upstairs an' write it now ! (starts toward 
door up l. Caroline watches him,. — He turns back 
and she looks quickly down at her work again) 
Finish those things as soon as you can an' leave 'em 
here — in the hall closet! (indicating outside L.) 

Caroline, (nodding her head) Yes! 

Wilfred. An' don't let anyone see 'em whatever 
you do! 

Caroline, (shaking her head) No! 

(Wilfred hurries off at door up l. Caroline looks 
after him with expression of ecstasy — lapsing 
into dreaminess as she turns to front. Suddenly 
bethinks herself with a start and a little " " 
and slipping down on floor near chair she goes 
excitedly to work on the trousers cutting at the 
other leg with violence and rapidly, getting it 
nearly cut through so that later it dangles by a 
few threads. Suddenly she stops work and 



SECRET SERVICE 49 

listens. Then with great haste she gathers up 
all the things she can, leaving the jacket how- 
ever where it fell, and jumps to her feet with 
them in her arms, hugging the confused bundle 
close against her and hastily tucking in portions 
that hang out so that Mrs. Varney wont see 
what it is. ) 

{Enter Mrs. Varney up l. coming down the stair- 
way and into the room.) 

Mrs. Varney. Oh — you haven't gone yet ! 

Caroline. Not quite! — I mean not yet! — It 
doesn't begin for an hour you know! 

Mrs. Varney. What doesn't begin? 

Caroline. The party! 

Mrs. Varney. Oh — then you have plenty of 
time ! (turning as if to go up c.) 

Caroline, (hastening across toward door L. with 
her arms full of things) Yes — but Ah'U have to go 
now sure enough ! (near c. she drops the scissors) 

Mrs. Varney. (up c. Turning) You dropped 
your scissors dear ! 

Caroline. Oh! (coming back for them) I — I 
thought I heard something! (in picking them up 
she lets the cut-off end of a trouser leg fall but does 
not notice it and goes toward door up l.) 

Mrs. Varney. (coming down c.) What are you 
making, Caroline? 

Caroline, (turning near door up L.) Oh — Ah 
was just altering a dress — that's all! (turning to 

0°) 

Mrs. Varney. (stooping and picking up the piece 

of trouser leg) Here, Carrie! — you dropped a — a — 
(looks at it) 

Caroline, (hurrying to Mrs. Varney and snatch- 
ing the piece — stuffing it in with rest) Oh yes! — 
(looks at Mrs. Varney an instant. The other 
piece of the trouser leg is hanging by its shred in full 



50 SECRET SERVICE 

sight) That — that was one of the sleeves! (turns 

and hurries off at door up L. and exits door E. below 

staimvay) 

(Mes. Vaeney after a moment turns and goes toward 
door up o. Seeing something on the couch 
E. c. she stops and goes to pick it up. On com- 
ing to it she finds the little gray soldier's jacket 
left by Caeoline in her hasty scramble. Mes, 
Vaeney stoops and picks it up and stands look- 
ing at it facing front.) 

(After a brief pause the loud sound of hurried 
opening of front door outside left and tramp of 
heavy feet on the floor is heard.) 

(Mes. Vaeney looks up and across left, letting the 
coat fall on end of couch e. c.) 

(Enter Me. Benton Aeeelsfoed — up l. from l. — a 
tall fine looking Southern man of about 35 or 
40 dressed in citizens clothes — black Prince 
Albert coat, etc. — -Rather distinguished appear- 
ance. He is seen outside door up l. hurriedly 
placing a guard of Confederate soldiers at doors 
outside up left, also at foot of stairs, and at any 
other exit in sight. Mes. Vaeney much sur- 
prised, moves toward door l. Me. Aeeelsfoed 
at the same time and as noiselessly as possible, 
hastens into the room.) 
Mes. Vaeney. (as he enters) Mr. Arrelsford! 

(goes toward a up a little) 
Aeeelsfoed. (comes quickly across to Mes. 

Vaeney. Speaks in a low voice and rapidly) Ah 

was obliged to come in without ceremony, Mrs, 

Varney. You'll understand when I tell you what it 

is! 

Mes. Vaeney. And those men — (motions toward 

the men outside door up c. l. c.) 

Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) They're on guard at the 

doors out there! 



"■ » ""! fM ' l 



SECRET SERVICE 51 

Hbs. Yarney. (low voice) On guard! — You 
mean 

Arrelsfore. Ah'm very much afraid we've got 
to put you to a little inconvenience, Mrs. Yarney! 
(glances about cautiously. Mrs. Yarney stands 
astonished) Is there anybody in that room? (point- 
ing to door up c.) 

Mrs. Yarney. Yes — a number of ladies sewing 
for the hospitals. 

Arrelsford. Kindly come this way a little. 
(going down l. c. with Mrs. Yarney) One of 
your servants has got himself into trouble, Mrs. 
Yarney, an' we're compelled to have him watched ! 

Mrs. Yarney. What kind of trouble ? 

Arrelsford. (low voice) Pretty serious ma'am! 
That's the way it looks now! — You've got an old 
white-haired niggah here 

Mrs. Yarney. You mean Jonas? 

Arrelsford. Ah believe that's his name ! 

Mrs. Yarney. You suspect him of something! 

Arrelsford. (keeping voice down) We don't 
suspect — we Jcnow what he's done! (glances round 
before going on) He's been down in the Libby 
Prison under pretense of selling something to the 
Yankees we've got in there, an' he now has on his 
person a written communication from one of them 
which he intends to deliver to some Yankee agent 
here in Richmond! (Arrelsford goes around in 
front of table and up l. of it to near door up l. c.) 

(Mrs. Yarney motionless a second looking at 
Arrelsford. She soon recovers.) 

Mrs. Yarney. Send for the man! (starting to 
move up stage and toward L.) Let us see if this — 

Arrelsford. (up l. c. near r. upper corner of 
table l. c. Quickly stopping her) No! Not yet! 
(Glances quickly round at doors and windows — then 
speaks in lowered voice but with great intensity and 



52 SECRET SERVICE 

clearness) Ah've got to get that paper! If he's 
alarmed he'll destroy it ! Ah've got to have it ! It'll 
give us the clue to one o' their cursed plots ! They've 
been right close on this town for months — trying to 
break down our defenses and get in on us. This is 
some rascally game they're at to weaken us from the 
inside ! Two weeks ago we got word from our agents 
that we keep over there in the Yankee lines telling 
us that two brothers — Lewis and Henry Dumont — 
have been under Secret Service orders to do some 
rascally piece of work here in Richmond. We had 
close descriptions of these fellows but we've never 
been able to lay our hands on 'em till last night ! 

Mrs. Yarney. (up c. and a little l. near Arrels- 
ford. Intense whisper) You've got them ? 

Arrelsford. (up L. c. Low voice/ but intense) 
We've got one o' them ! An' it won't take long to run 
down the othah ! 

Mrs. Yarney. (low voice, great intensity) The 
one — the one you caught — was he here in Richmond ? 

Arrelsford. (low voice) No — he was brought in 
last night with a lot o' men we captured making a 
raid. 

Mrs. Yarney. Taken prisoner ! 

Arrelsford. (nods affirmatively, glances round) 
Let himself be taken ! That's one of their tricks for 
getting through our lines when they want to bring a 
message or give some signal. 

Mrs. Yarney. You mean, they get into Libby 
Prison ? 

Arrelsford. (low voice. Great intensity) Yes! 
Damn them! (this oath indistinctly between his 
teeth) But we were on the lookout for this man and 
we spotted him pretty quick. I gave orders not to 
search him or to take away his clothes but to put him 
in with the others and keep the closest watch on him 
that was ever kept on a man! We knew from his 
coming in that his brother must be here in the city 



U " '" i f 111 il l M il 



SECRET SERVICE 53 

and he'd send a message to him the first chance he 
got. 

Mrs. Varney. (low voice) But Jonas! — How 
could he 

Arrelsford. (loiv und intense) Easy enough 1 
He comes down to Libby to sell goubers to the 
prisoners — we let 'im pass in — he fools around awhile 
until he gets a chance to "brush against this man 
Dumont — we're watching an' we see a bit of paper 
pass between 'em! The old rascal's got that paper 
now ma'am, an' besides these men in heah I've got a 
dozen more on the outside watching him through the 
windows! {turns and moves up glancing off up L. 
with some anxiety) 

Mrs. Varney. (ufter slight pause. Turns. 
Speaks in intense but subdued voice. Almost 
whisper) The man lie gives it to! He's the one 
you want! 

Arrelsford. (upproarching hvr quickly, low voice 
but intense) Yes! But I cant wait long! If the 
niggah sees a man or hears a sound he'll destroy it 
before we can jump in on 'im — an' I must have that 
paper ! (strides quickly up, Mrs. Varney following 
<a step or two. Speaking off up L. in low but sharp 
voice) Corporal! 
(Enter Corporal at door up l. from l. he salutes 

<and stands.) 
How is it now? 

Corporal, (low voice) All quiet sir! 
(Arrelsford and Mrs. Varney face each other.) 

Arrelsford. (low, intense) It won't do to wait — 
I've got to get that paper ! It's the key to the game 
they're trying to play against us! 

Mrs. Varney. (intense. Half whisper) No no! 
The man he's going to give it to ! Get him ! 

Arrelsford. (low — intense) That paper might 
give us a clue! If not I'll make the niggah tell! 



54 SECRET SERVICE 

Damn it — Pll shoot it out of him! (turns to 
Corporal) How quick can yon get at him from 
that door ! (pointing off up L.) 

Corporal, (no salute, low voice) It's through a 
hallway — and across the dining-room. 

Arrelsford. (low voice) Well, take two men 
and 

Mes. Varney. (interrupting — touching Aeeels- 
foed to stop him. Low voice) Why not keep your 
men out of sight and let me send for him- — here? 

Aeeelsfoed. (after a second's thought. Low 
voice) That's better ! We'll get 'im in here ! While 
you're talking to him they can nab him from behind ! 
(turns to Coepoeal) You heard! 

Coepoeal. (low voice) Yes, sir. 

Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) Keep your men out of 
sight — get 'em back there in the hall — an' while we're 
making him talk send a man down each side and pin 
him ! Hold 'im stiff ! He mustn't destroy any paper 
he's got! 

(Coepoeal salutes and exits with men up l. and off 
l. Mrs. Vaeney turns to Aerelsford who is 
well up c. with her hand on the bell rope.) 

Mrs. Varney. (low voice) Now, Mr. Arrelsford? 

Arrelsford. Yes. 

(Mrs. Varkey rings the bell. Short pause. Enter 
Martha at door up l. She stands in the 
doorway.) 

Mrs. Varney. (down l. near mantel) Is there 
anyone I can send to the hospital, Martha? 

Martha, (up l. c. in doorway) Luther's out yere, 
mam. 

Mrs. Varney. Luther? (considers) ISTo — he's 
too small. I don't want a boy. 

Martha. Jonas is yere, mam — if you want him. 

Mrs. Varney. Oh, Jonas — yes ! Tell 'im to come 
in here right away. 



SECRET SERVICE 55 

Martha. Yaas'm. (exits at door up l.) 

(Mrs. Vaeney crosses bach of table l. c. goes toward 
R. c. and sits on couch. Arrelsford waits up c.) 

(Old Jonas appears at the door up l. coming from 
door r. below stairs. He is a thick-set gray- 
haired old negro. He comes a few steps into the 
room.) 

(Mrs. Varney looks at Jonas and he at her. — At 
first he is entirely unsuspecting, but in a 
moment, seeing Arrelsford standing up c. his 
eyes shift about restlessly for an instant.) 

Mrs. Varney. (on couch R. c.) Jonas 

Jonas, (up l. c.) Yes mam. 

Mrs. Varney. Have you any idea why I sent for 
yon? 

Jonas. Ah heers you was wantin' to sen' to de 
hossiple ma'am. 

(Corporal and Men enters l. to behind Jonas.) 
Mrs. Varney. Oh — then Martha told you. 

(Corporal motions to Men and they instantly step 
forward — one on each side of Jonas, and stand 
motionless.) 

Jonas. Waal she didn't ezzackly say whut you — 
(sees man each side of him and stops in the midst of 
his speech. He does not start, but is frozen with 
terror. Stands motionless. Expression of face 
scarcely changes. Soon he lowers his eyes and then 
begins stealthily to get his right hand toward his 
inside breast pocket) 

(Corporal gives a sharp order. The Men instantly 
seize Jonas. Corporal quickly feels in his 
pocket. Jonas struggles desperately but in an 
instant the Corporal has the paper which he 
hands — with a salute — to ARRELSFORD— coming 



56 SECRET SERVICE 

forward in front of Men and Jonas to do so* — 
then goes hack to l. of Men and Jonas.) 

(Mrs. Varney rises- as men seize Jonas.) 

Arrelsford. (down r. of Men and Jonas) See if 
there's anything more ! (Arrelsford goes up back of 
men to lamp) 

| Corporal quickly searches Jonas. Men still hold- 
ing him, raising his arms above his head, etc. 
After the search Men release Jonas and stand 
guard one on each side of him.) 

Corporal, (on salute) That's all sir. 

(Arrelsford turns to lamp on table up c. opening 
the paper as he does so, while Corporal is 
searching Jonas. Mrs. Varney watches him 
intently. Arrelsford reads the paper quickly 
and at once wheels round on Jonas coming down 
R. of him and Men.) 

Arrelsford. (low voice — but sharp and telling) 
Who was this for? (Jonas stands silent) If you 
don't tell it's going to be mighty bad for you! — 
(Jonas stands silent looking at Arrelsford. After 
pause Arrelsford turns to Mrs. Varney) I'm 
right sorry ma'am, but it looks like we've got to shoot 
'im! (eyeing Jonas. Goes down c.) Corporal! 
(Motions Corporal to approach. — Corporal steps 
to Arrelsford on salute. To Corporal. — Low 
voice) Take him outside and get it out of him! 
String him up till he talks ! Yon understand ! 
(Corporal salutes and is about to turn) Here! 
(Corporal turns back to Arrelsford on salute. 
Arrelsford glances toward the window at r. and 
back l. ) Go down on that side — back of the house ! 
(pointing up l.) And keep it quiet ! Nobody must 
know of this! Not a soul! 

(Corporal salutes again. — Goes up to Men. — Gives 



SECRET SERVICE 57 

an order. Men turn on order and march Jonas 
of at door up l. and of l. All very quick with 
military precision. The Corporal goes with 
them. Arrelsford stands watching exit of 
Jonas and Men until they are gone and the 
sound of the closing of heavy front door is heard 
outside left. He then turns to Mrs. Varney. 
Arrelseord and Mrs. Varney keep voices down 
to nearly a whisper in the coming scene — but 
with utmost force and intensity.) 

Mrs. Varney. (indicating the paper in his 
hand) Was there anything in that 

Arrelsford. (near Mrs. Varney on her l.) 
We've got the trick they want to play! 

Mrs. Varney. But not the man — not the man 
who is to play it ! 

Arrelsford. I didn't say that ! 

Mrs. Varney. There's a clue ? 

Arrelsford. There is a clue ! 

Mrs. Varney. Will it answer? Do you know 
who 

Arrelsford. (interrupting) As plain as if we 
had his name ! 

Mrs. Varney. Thank God! (motionless an 
instant. Then she extends her hand for the paper) 
Let me see! (Arrelsford momentary hesitation — 
then hands her the paper. She looks at paper, then 
reads it aloud) " ATTACK TO-NIGHT— PLAN 
3— USE TELEGRAPH"— (slight motion or sound 
from Arrelsford to quiet her and a quick glance 
round. Low voice — half whisper) What does it 
mean ? 

Arrelsford. (takes paper. Low voice but 
incisive) They attack to-night! — The place where 
they strike is indicated by " Plan 3." (finger on the 
words on paper in his hand) 

Mrs. Vabney. Plan three? 



58 SECRET SERVICE 

Arrelsford. He knows what they mean by that I 
— It's arranged beforehand ! 

Mrs, Varney. And — the last — the last there I 
{quick look at the paper in Arrelsford^s hands) 
"Use Telegraph?" 

Arrelsfokd. He's to rise our War Department 
Telegraph Lines to send some false order and weaken 
that position — the one they indicate by " Plan 
Three " — so they can break through and come down 
on the city ! 

Mrs. Varney. Oh I (a breathless exclamation of 
indignation. A second's pause — then suddenly) 
But the one — the man who is to do this — there's 
nothing about him! 

Arrelsford. There is something about him! 

Mrs. Varney. {rapidly — almost run together) 
What? Where? I don't see it! 

Arrelsford. "Use Telegraph!" {the two 
stand looking at one another) We know every man 
on the Telegraph Service — and every man of them's 
true! But there's some who want to get into that 
service that we don't know quite so well! 

Mrs. Varney. He would be one ! 

Arrelsford. There aren't so very many! {these 
speeches given suggestively — with slight pause after 
each. All very low voice and intense) It isn't every 
man that's an expert ! — The niggah brought this 
paper to your house, Mrs. Varney? 

Mrs. Varney. My — (hesitates — beginning to 
realize) 

Arrelsford. {wait for above hesitation by Mrs. 
Varney) For more than a month your daughter 
has been working to get an appointment for someone 
on the Telegraph Service — perhaps she could give us 
some idea 

{A moment's pause — the two looking at one another. 
Suddenly Mrs. Varney turns and hurries to 






SECRET SERVICE 59 

window up r. and quickly pulls curtains together, 
turning and facing hack to Arrelsford at same 
instant) 

Arrelsford. {almost whisper — but with utmost 
intensity) IS HE THERE? (Mrs. Varney nods 
affirmatively. She comes down toward Aeeelsfoed) 
Could he hear what we said? 

Mes. Varney. (shakes head negatively. Almost 
whisper) He's at the further end! (comes back to 
e. of Aeeelsfoed. Arrelsford glances at windows 
r. nervously. Mrs. Varney — after a pause — low 
voice) You have a description you say'! 

Arrelsford. Yes — at the office. 

Mrs. Varney, Then this man — this Captain 
Thorne — (interrupted) 

Aeeelsfoed. (low voice — but with vehemence) 
There is no Captain Thorne ! This fellow you have 
in your house is Lewis Dumont ! (short pause) 

Mes. Varney. You mean — he came here to — 
(interrupted) 

Aeeelsfoed. {with vindictive fury breaking 
through in spite of himself — yet voice subdued almost 
to a sharp whisper) He came to this town — he came 
to this house — knowing your position and the in- 
fluence of your name — for the sole purpose of getting 
some hold on our Department Telegraph Line! 
He's corrupted your servants — he's thick with the 
men in the telegraph office — what he hasn't done 
God A'mighty knows! But Washington ain't the 
only place where there's a Secret Service ! We've 
got one here in Richmond! Oh — (a shake of his 
head) two can play at that game — an it's my move 
now! (Goes up r. c. a few steps) 

(Enter Edith Varney running rapidly down stair- 
way up left and calling out excitedly as she 
comes. She wears a white dress and has in her 
hand the large official envelope which she took 



60 SECRET SERVICE 

upstairs in an earlier scene. Arrelsford goes 
toward windows up R.) 

Edith, (as she runs down the stairway) Mama ! 
Mama! — Quick Mama! (Mrs. Varney hurries to- 
ward door up l. to meet her. Arrelsford turns in 
surprise looking toward door up l. Edith meeting 
Mrs. Varney) Under my window — in the bushes — 
they're hurting someone frightfully! — Ah'm sure 
they are ! Oh — come ! (starting toward door to lead 
the way. Mrs. Varney stands looking at Edith. 
Edith stops surprised that Mrs. Varney does not 
follow) If you aren't coming Ah'll go myself! 
(turning to go) 

Mrs. Varney. Wait, Edith! (Edith stops up 
L. c. and turns bach to Mrs. Varney) I must tell 
you something — it'll be a terrible shock I'm afraid! 
(Edith goes toward Mrs. Varney. Arrelsford 
turns away a little — standing near r. c. watching 
window) A man we trusted as a friend has shown 
himself a treacherous conspirator against us ! 

Edith, (up l. c. After a slight pause — low 
voice) Who? (pause. Mrs. Varney up c. cannot 
bring herself to speak the name. After a slight pause 
— in the same low voice) Who is it? 

Arrelsford. (down R. c. a little. Swinging 
round on her. Low voice but with vindictiveness) 
It is the gentleman, Miss Varney, whose attentions 
you have been pleased to accept in the place of mine ! 

(Short pause. Edith looking at Arrelsford, white 
and motionless. Then she turns her face appeal- 
ing to her mother. — Mrs. Varney nods slowly 
in affirmation. Edith puts the envelope with 
Commission in belt or bosom of dress in an 
absent manner.) 

Edith, (low voice) Is it Mr. Arrelsford who 
makes this accusation? 



, 



SECRET SERVICE 61 

Arrelsford. {breaking out hotly out keeping voice 
down) Yes — since yon wish to know! From the 
first I've had my suspicions that this — (he stops on 
seeing Edith's move toward the window up R.) 

{Edith turns on cue *' Since you wish to know " and 
goes quickly toward the window up R. crossing 
Mrs. Varney. Arrelsford breaks of in his 
speech and steps before her.) 

Arrelsford. (r. c. low voice — speaking rapidly) 
Where are yon going? 

Edith, (c. low voice) For Captain Thome. 

Arrelsford. (low voice) Not now! 

Edith, (turning with flashing indignation on 
Arrelsford. Low voice) Mr. Arrelsford if this is 
something you're afraid to say to him — don't yon 
dare say it to me! 

Arrelsford. (indignantly. Low voice) Miss 
Varney, if yon 

Mrs. Varney. (l. c. Interrupting quickly, low 
voice) Edith, he has good reasons for not meeting 
Captain Thorne now! 

Edith, (turning quickly to Mrs. Varney) Ah 
•should think he had ! The man who said that to his 
face wouldn't live to speak again! 

Mrs. Varney. My dear, you don't 

Edith, (a) Mama — this man has left his desk in 
the War Department so that he can have the pleasure 
of persecuting me ! He's never attempted anything 
in the active service before ! And when I ask him to 
face the man he accuses he turns like a coward ! 

Arrelsford. (angrily, but keeping voice subdued) 
Mrs. Varney, if she thinks — {interrupted) 

Edith, (low voice) I think nothing! I know 
a man of Captain Thome's character is above 
suspicion ! 

Arrelsford. (low voice) His character ! Ha ha! 
{a sneer) Where did he come from? — Who is he? 



62 SECRET SERVICE 

Edith, (low voice) Who are you? 

Areelsfoed. That's not the question ! 

Edith, (low voice) Neither is it the question 
who is he ! If it were Fd answer it — I'd tell you he's 
a soldier who has fought and been wounded for his 
country ! 

Aeeelsfoed. (low voice hut incisive) We're not 
so sure of that ! 

Edith, (after a pause of indignation) He brought 
us letters from General Stonewall Jackson and — 
(interrupted) 

Aeeelsfoed. (quick and sharp) General Jackson 
was killed before his letter was presented! 

Edith. What does ■ that signify, if he wrote it ? 

Aeeelsfoed. Nothing — if he wrote it! (accent 
strong on 'if') 

Edith. Mr. Arrelsford, if you mean — (Mes. 
Vaeney goes to Edith putting her hand on Edith's 
arm) 

Mes. Vaeney. (low voice) Listen Edith! They 
have proofs of a conspiracy on our Government Tele- 
graph Lines. (Aeeelsfoed says " Sh" and goes to 
window up e. Edith turns from Aeeelsfoed and 
looks before her listening on mention of " Telegraph 
Lines." Mes. Vaeney leads Edith a little l. of c. 
Aeeelsfoed stands near window up e.) Two men 
in the Northern Secret Service have been sent 
here to do this work. One is in Libby Prison. 
Our old Jonas went there to-day — secretly took a 
message from him and brought it here — to the other ! 
(Edith turns toward Mes. Vaeney sharply) We've 
just had Jonas in here and found that paper on 
him! 

(Aeeelsfoed comes down e. looking off through 
curtains at windows down e.) 

Edith, (rapidly, desperately. In low voice) But 
he hasn't said it was for 



SECRET SERVICE 63 

{Dull heavy sound of front door closing outside 
up l.) 

Aeeelsfoed. {low voice hut incisively) Not yet — 
but lie will! (Edith looks at Aeeelsfoed not com- 
prehending. Enter Coepoeal at door up l. stands 
on salute. Ladies turn to him. Edith breathless 
with anxiety. Mes. Vaeney calm but intent. 
Aeeelsfoed goes across from e. to Coepoeal up 
L. c. Low voice) Well — what does he say? 

Coepoeal. {low voice) Nothing sir — he won't 
speak ! 

Aeeelsfoed. {sharply, but voice subdued) What 
have } r ou done? 

Coepoeal. Strung him up three times and 

Aeeelsfoed. {enraged but keeping his voice down) 
Well string him up again ! If he won't speak shoot 
it out of him! Kill the dog! {comes blindly down 
l. Coepoeal salutes and exits at door up l. 
Aeeelsfoed turns to ladies and goes down l. back of 
table — gets hat from table) We don't need the 
niggah's evidence — there's enough without it! 

Edith, {up c. Low voice) There's nothing! 

Aeeelsfoed. (l. of table l. c. Low voice) By 
twelve o'clock to-night you'll have all the proof you 
want ! 

Edith, {low voice) There's no proof at all! 

Aeeelsfoed. {low voice) I'll show it to you at 
the telegraph office ! Do you dare go with me ? 

Edith, {low voice) Dare! {moves toward him) 
I will go with you ! 

Aeeelsfoed. {low voice) I'll call for you in hall' 
an hour! {goes up toward door up L.) 

Edith. Wait! — what are yon going to do? 

Aerelsfoed. {comes down back of table. Low 
voice but incisive) I'm going to let him get this 
paper! He'll know what they want him to do — and 
then we'll see liim try to do it! 



m SECRET SERVICE 

Edith, (l. c.) You're going to spy on him — 
hound him like a criminal ! 

Arrelsford. Fm going to prove what he is E 

Edith, (r. of table l. o. Low voice) Then prove 
it openly ! Prove it at once ! It's a shame to let a 
suspicion like that rest on an honorable man! Let 
him come in here and — {interrupted) 

Arrelsford. {low voiee) Impossible! {goes 
down l. of table a little) 

Edith, {low voice) Then do something else but 
do it now! (hwning away goes up c. a little, speaks 
desperately) We must know that he is — that he's; 
innocent ! We must know that ! {a thought. Turns 
to Arrelsford) You say the prisoner in Libby is 
his brother — that's what you said — his brother I 
Bring him here ! Go to the prison and bring that 
man here ! 

Arrelseord. (l. of table speaking across it. Sub- 
dued exclamation) What ! 

Edith. Let them meet ! Bring them face to face I 
Then you can see whether 

Arrelsford. {low voice, speaks rapidly) You 
mean — bring them together here? 

Edith. Yes ! 

Arrelseord, As if the prisoner was trying to 
escape ? 

Edith. Any way you like — but end it ! 

Arrelsford. When ? 

Edith. Now ! 

Arrelsford. (after instant's thought) I'm will- 
ing to try that! — Can you keep him here? (with a 
motion toward windows R.) 

Edith, (scarcely more than a movement of lips) 
Yes. 

Arrelsford. It won't be more than half an hour. 
Be out there on the veranda. When I tap on the 
glass bring him into this room and leave him 
alone ! 



SECRET SERVICE 65 

Edith, {hardly more than a nod and a whisper) 
Yes. (turns away towards front) 

Akeelsfoed. (goes rapidly toward door up l., stops 
and turns near door) I rely on you Miss Varney to 
give him no hint or sign that we suspect — (inter- 
rupted) 

(Mrs. Varney and Edith both turn indignantly on 
Arrelsford. Mrs. Varney with slight ex- 
clamation.) 
Edith, (c. down a little. Interrupting Arrels- 
ford on cue) Mr. Arrelsford! 

(Arrelsford stands an instant — then bows stiffly 
and exits at door up l. Edith stands where she 
was as if stunned. Mrs. Varney remains R. c. 
looking after Arrelsford — then turns to 
Edith.) 
Edith, (after pause — not looking round — nearly 
whisper) Mama ! (reaches out her hand as if feel- 
ing for help or support. Mrs. Varney comes down 
to Edith on her left and takes her hand) Mama ! 
Mrs. Varney. (low voice) I'm here, Edith! 

(Pause. Edith thinking of something — her eyes 
wide open — staring vacantly before her.) 

Edith, (holding tight to Mrs. Farney's hand) 
Do yon think — do- yon think — that could be what he 
meant? (Mrs. Varney looking intently at Edith) 
The Commission I got for him — this afternoon. 

Mrs. Varney. (low voice) Yes — yes! 

Edith. The Commission you know — from the 
President — for the — for the Telegraph Service! He 
— he — refused to take it ! 

Mrs. Varney. Refused ! 

Edith, (nodding a little — hardly able to speak) 
He said — he said it was for me that he could no I ! 

Mrs. Varney. It's true then! 

Edith, (turning quickly to Mrs. Varney and try- 



^^ 



m SECRET SERVICE 

ing to stop her by putting her hand over her mouth. 
Speaking rapidly, breathlessly — yet not in loud voice), 
No no ! Don't say it I 

Mes. Vaeney. (putting Edith's hand away) 
Yes ! 

Edith. Oh, no! 

Mes. Vaeney. Infamous traitor ! They ought to 
lash him through the streets of Richmond ! 

Edith, (impulsively trying to stop Mes. Vaeney) 
ISTo Mama ! No — no — no ! (she stops — a moments- 
pause, she realizes the truth. Speaks in almost a 
whisper) Yes — yes — (fainter and fainter) Yes — 
yes — (stops — pauses — stands erect — looks about — 
motions Mes. Vaeney to go) 

(Mes. Vaeney turns ' quietly and leaves the room 
going out at the door up l. and off l. Edith 
stands supporting herself without knowing that 
she does so — one hand on a table or back of 
chair. — Soon coming to herself she turns and 
goes toward the window up e. When near c. she 
stops. Stands there a moment looking toward 
the window. Then brushes her hand quickly 
across her eyes and takes the Presidents ^Com- 
mission from the bosom of dress. She looks at 
it as if thinking, folds it slowly and puts it back 
again. Walks to the window, throws aside the 
curtains and pushes it open.) 

(Upon Edith pushing open the ivindow up e. 
Captain Thoene outside e. at some dis- 
tance, makes sound with chair as though he 
rose and pushed or set it back and the sound 
of his footsteps outside approaching briskly 
follows at once. Edith moves back away from 
the window and across to up l. c. near table and 
stands there looking at the window up e. After 
footsteps and after Edith is motionless at 
up l. c. Captain Thoene walks briskly and 



SECRET SERVICE 67 

r 

unsuspiciously into the room at window up R. 
glancing about as he does so — not seeing Edith 
until he is a little way, in. Upon seeing her he 
stops an instant where he is, and then goes di- 
rectly across io her and is about to take her 
hand as he speaks.) 

Thorne. {coming io Edith up l. c.) Miss 
"Varney 

Edith, (as she snatches her hand away and shrinks 
back slightly up L. Breathless) No — don't touch 
me ! (a second's pause. She recovers almost in- 
stantly) Oh — it was yon ! (smiling as if at her own 
stupidity) Why how perfectly absurd I am! (cross- 
ing in front of Thorne lightly and going to window 
at up r.) Ah'm snre Ah onght to be ashamed of 
myself! (turns to him at R.) Do come ont a 
minute — on the veranda — Ah want to talk to you 
about a whole lot o' things ! There's half an hour 
yet before the party! (turning to go) Isn't it a 
lovely night! (she exits at the window up R. with 
forced gaiety of manner disappearing in the dark- 
ness) Oh, come along! 

(Thorne stands looking at Edith when she first 
speaks. As she crosses R. he is looking down a 
little but looks slowly up toward front and turns 
a little after her cross, looking at her as she 
stands for a moment in the window up r. 
After her exit he slowly turns toward front and 
his eyes glance about and down once as he weighs 
the chances.) 

Edith, (after brief pause for above — calling gaily 
from outside up r. not too near the ivindow) Oh, 
-Cap'n Thorne! (emphasis on 'oh') 
(Thorne turns quickly looking off R. again — Hesi- 
tates an instant — Makes up his mind. Walks rapidly 



68 SECRET SERVICE 

to window up e. A very slight hesitating there — 
without stopping. Exits at window up E. Ring as 
Tiiobne exits) 

CURTAIN 

Time of playing— 43 minutes. 

Wait between Acts I and II — 4 minutes. 



ACT II 

Scene: — The same room. 



Nine o'clock 



Furniture as in Act I. Electric calciums for 
strong moonlight outside both windows at R. 
Portieres are closed at both windows. 
(Mrs. Vaeney discovered seated at desk e. 1. — 
She is not busy with anything but sits watching 
that no one goes out to the veranda at e. 
Bound of dosing of door outside l. Enter Miss 
Kitteidge at door up c. which stands ajar as 
if she had recently come out.) 

Mes. Vaeney. "Was it the same man? 

Miss Kitteidge. (pausing up c.) No; they sent 
another one this time. 

Mes. Vaeney. Did you have anything ready? 

Miss Kitteidge. Oh yes — Ah gave 'em quite a 
lot. We've all been at the bandages — that's what 
they need most. (Mes. Vaeney rises. Seems pre- 
occupied. Goes across to l. and looks off. Miss 
Kitteidge watches her rather anxiously a moment) 
Did you want anything, Mrs. Varney? 

Mes. Vaeney. (turning at up L.) No — I — noth- 
ing, thank you. (Miss Kitteidge is turning to go, 
but stops when Mes. Yaeney speaks again. Mes. 



SECRET SERVICE W 

Vaeney goes nearer to Miss Kitteige) Perhaps 
it would be just as well if any of the ladies want to 
go, to let them out the other way. Yon can open the 
•door into the dining-room. We're expecting someone 
"here on important "business. 

Miss Kitteidge. AF11 see to it, Mts. Varney. 

Mes. Vaeney. Thank yon. {Exit Miss Kit- 
'teidge at door up c. Mes. Vaeney stands a moment. 
'Then goes down L. and rings bell. Crosses to e. c. ? 
■going lack of table l. c. Then goes slowly up c. 
waiting) {Enter Maetha at door up l. from door E. 
of stairway. Mes. Vaeney up c.) Did Miss Car- 
oline go home? 

Maetha. {up l. c. near door) No'm. She's been 
out yere in de kitchen fur a while. 

Mes. Vaeney. In the kitchen"! 

Maetha. Yaas'm. 

Mes. Vaeney. What is she doing? 

Maetha. She's been mostly sewin' and behavin 5 
mighty strange ahout sumfin a great deal o' de time. 
Ah bleeve she's gittin' ready to go home now. 

Mes. Vaeney. Ask her to come here a moment. 

Maetha. Yaas'm. (Maetha turns and exits up 
l. and off door e. of stairway) (Mrs. Vaeney waits 
fa little. Then goes forward E. c. a few steps) 
{Enter Caeoline at door up L. from door R. of 
stairway. She comes into the room trying to look 
very innocent) 

Mes. Vaeney. (e. c.) Caroline — (Caeoline 
goes down c. with Mes. Vaeney. She is expecting 
io hear something said about the sewing sh-e Jms been 
doing) Are you in a hurry to get home? Because 
if you can wait a few minutes while I go upstairs to 
Howard it'll be a great help. 

Caeoline. {looking around in some doubt) You 
want me to — just wait? Is that all? 

Mes. Vaeney. I — {hesitates a little) — I don't 
want anyone to go out on the veranda just now. 



70 SECRET SERVICE 

(Caroline looks toward veranda R.) Edith's there 
— with 

Caroline, (suddenly comprehending) Oh yes! 
(glances toward windows R.) Ah know how that is 
— Ah'll attend to it! (crosses to up R. c.) 

Mrs. Yarney. Just while I'm upstairs — it won't 
be long ! (goes to door up l. Turns at door) Be 
careful won't you dear! (exit at door up l. and up 
the stairway) 

Caroline, (up r. c.) Careful! — Well Ah should 
think so ! As if Ah didn't know enough for that ! 
(goes toward window up r. and pauses up r. c. Her 
face is radiant with the imagined romance of the 
situation. Peeps out slyly through curtains. After 
a moment she turns, an idea having occurred to her, 
and quickly rolls the lounge up across before the win- 
dow. Kneels on it with her back to the audience and 
tries to peep through curtains) (Enter Wilfred 
Varney door up l. coming in cautiously and as if he 
had been watching for an opportunity. He stops 
just within the door and looks back up stairway. He 
has on the trousers which Caroline fixed for him 
ACT I, and also the Army Jacket — Caroline rises 
and turns up r. from the lounge and sees Wilfred, 
startled at first. He turns to her. She stands ador- 
ing him in his uniform) 

(NOTE: These clothes are not by any means new. — 
The trousers must be all right as to length 
though showing strange folds and awkwardness 
at bottom from being cut off and sewed by an 
amateur. But on no account must there be any- 
thing grotesque or laughable) 

Caroline, (up r. Subdued exclamation as she 
sees Wilfred in uniform) Oh ! 

Wilfred, (l. c. Low voice — speaking across from 
door) Mother isn't anywhere around is she? 



SECRET SERVICE 71 

Caroline, (coming out to up c.) She — she just 
went upstairs. 

Wilfred, (doivn l. c. a little) Ah'm not running 
away — but if she saw me with these things on she 
might feel funny. 

Caroline, (half to herself) She might not feel 
so very funny ! 

Wilfred. Well — you know — (going over to desk 
down R. and taking papers and letters from pockets) 
how it is with a feller's mother. (Caroline nods 
affirmatively from up c.) (Wilfred business of 
hurriedly finding letter among others — feeling in 
different pockets for it — so that he speaks without 
much thinking what he says) Other people don't 
care — but mothers — well — they're different. 

Caroline, (c. Speaks absently) Yes — other 
people don't care! (moves over toward up l. — The 
thought of Wilfred actually going gives her a slight 
sinking of the heart at which she herself is sur- 
prised) 

Wilfred. Ah've written that letter to the Gen- 
eral ! — Here it is — on'y Ah've got to end it off some 
way! (pulls a chair sideways to desk and half sits 
on it — intent on finishing the letter. — Business with 
pen, etc. and running hand into his hair impetuously) 
Ah'm not going to say " Your loving son " or any 
such rubbish as that ! It would be an almighty let- 
down ! Ah love him of course — but this isn't that 
kind of a letter ! (Pointing out writing on letter and 
speaking as if he supposed Caroline was at his 
shoulder) Ah've been telling him — (looking round 
sees that Caroline is standing at a considerable dis- 
tance up L. c. looking at him) — What's the matter? 

( ( .\ ROLiNE. Nothing — ! 

Wilfred. Ah thought you wanted feo help! 

Caroline, (quickly) Oh yes — Ah do! Ah do! 
(goes down at once to Wilfred a I desk) 

WILFRED, (looks in Iter face an instant. Second 



72 SECRET SERVICE 

or two pause) (Caroline stammeringly asks) The 
— the — {indicating his trousers by a little gesture} 
— are they how you wanted 'em ? 

Wilfred. What ? 

Caroline. Those things, (pointing to trousers 
Wilfred has on) 

Wilfred, (glances at legs) Oh — they're all right I 
Fine ! — Now about this letter — tell me what you 
think! (turning to letter again) 

Caroline. Tell me what you said ! 

Wilfred. Want to hear it? 

Caroline. Ah've got to haven't I? How could 
Ah help you if I didn't know what it was all about ! 

Wilfred, You're pretty good! (looks at her 
briefly) You will help me won't you? (catching 
hold of her r. hand as she stands near him on his l.) 

Caroline. Oh' co'se Ah will — (after an instant's 
pause draws hand away from him) about the let- 
ter ! 

Wilfred. That's what I mean ! — It's mighty im- 
portant you know ! Everything depends on it ! 

Caroline. Well Ah should think so I (Caroline 
gets chair from up between windows and pulls it 
around near Wilfred on his left, and sits looking 
over the letter while he reads — showing deep in- 
terest) 

Wilfred. Ah just gave it to him strong! 

Caroline. That's the way to give it to him! 

Wilfred. You can't fool round with him much I 
He means business ! But he'll find out Ah mean 
business too ! 

Caroline. That's right — everybody means busi- 
ness! — What did you say? 

Wilfred. Ah said this! — (reads letter) "Gen- 
eral Ransom Yarney — Commanding Division Army 
of the Northern Virginia — Dear Papa — This is to 
notify you that Ah want you to let me come right 
now ! If you don't Ah'll come anyhow — that's all ! 



■^ 



SECRET SERVICE 73 

The eighteen call is out — the seventeen comes next 
an' Ah'm not going to wait for it ! Do you think 
Ah'm a damned coward? Tom Kittridge has gone! 
He was killed yesterday at Cold Harbor. Billy 
Fisher has gone. So has Cousin Stephen and he ain't 
sixteen. He lied about his age but Ah don't want to 
do that unless you make me. Answer this right now 
or not at all ! " 

Caroline. That's splendid! 

Wilfred. Do you think so? 

Caroline. Why it's just the thing! 

Wilfred. But how'm Ah going to end it ? 

Caroline. Just end it ! 

Wilfred. How ? 

Caroline. Sign your name. 

Wilfred. No thing else ? 

Caroline. What else is there ? 

Wilfred. Just " Wilfred ? " 

Caroline. 0' co'se! 

Wilfred, (looks at her an instant then turns sud- 
denly to desk and writes his name) That's the thing ! 
(holds it up) Will the rest of it do? 

Caroline. Do ! Ah should think so ! (rising) 
Ah wish he had it now! (goes toward c.) 

Wilfred, (rising) So do I ! — It might take two 
or three days! (moves toward c.) Ah can't wait 
that long! — Why the Seventeen call might — (stops. 
Thinks frowningly) 

Caroline, (suddenly turning at c.) Ah'll tell you 
what to do ! — Telegraph ! (Wilfred looks at her — 
she at him. After an instant he glances at the letter) 

Wilfred, (c. at r„) Whew! (a whistle) Ah 
haven't got money enough for that ! 

Caroline, (o. at l.) 'Twon't take so very much! 

Wilfred. Do you know what they're charging 
now? Over seven dollars a word! 

Caroline. Let 'em charge! We can cut it down 
so there's only a few words an' it means just the 



74 SECRET SERVICE 

same ! (they both go at the letter each holding it on 
his or her side) The address won't cost a thing! 

Wilfred. Won't it? 

Caroline. No ! They never do ! There's a heap 
o' money saved right now ! We can use that to pay 
for the rest ! (Wilfred looks at her a little puzzled) 
What comes next? (both loolc over the letter) 

Wilfeed. (looks at letter) "Dear Papa" — 

Caroline. Leave that out! (both scratch at it 
with pens or pencils) 

Wilfeed. Ah didn't care much for it anyway! 

Caroline. He knew it before. 

Wilfred. Ah'm glad it's out ! 

Caroline. So'm I! What's next? (reading) 
" This - is - to-notify-you-that-Ah-want-you-to-let-me- 
come-right-now." We might leave out tha.t last " to." 

Wilfred and Caroline, (reciting it off together 
experimentally to see how it reads without the " to ") 
" Ah-want-you — let-me-come-right-now." (after in- 
stant's thought both shake heads) 

Wilfred, (shaking head) No ! 

Caroline, (shaking head) No ! 

Wilfred. It doesn't sound right. 

Caroline. That's only a little word anyhow ! 

Wilfred. So it is. What's after that? (both 
eagerly look at letter) 

Caroline. Wait — here it is ! (reads) " If-you- 
don't — Ah'll — come — anyhow — that's — all." ( They 
consider) 

Wilfred. We might leave out " that's all." 

Caroline, (quickly) No! Don't leave that out ! 
It's very important. It doesn't seem so but it is ! It 
shows — (hesitates) well — it shows that's all there 
is about it ! That one thing might convince him ! 

Wilfred. We've got to leave out something ! 

Caroline. Yes — but not that! Perhaps there's 
something in the next ! (reads) " The-eighteen- 
call-is-out — " That's got to stay! 



SECRET SERVICE 75 

Wilfred, {reads) " The-seventeen-comes-next." 

Caroline. That's got to stay ! 

Wilfred, {shaking head) Yes! 

Caroline, {taking it up) " Ah'm-not-going-to- 
wait-for-it ! " {shaking head without looking up) 
No! No! 

Wilfred, {shaking head) No! 

Caroline. We'll find something in just a minute ! 
(reading. Wait for quiet on this — but follow in close 
so as not to drop) " Do-you-think-Ah'm-a-damned- 
coward!" (both look up from the letter simultane- 
ously and gaze at each other in silence for an 
instant) 

Wilfred, (after the pause) We might leave out 
the 

Caroline, (breaking in on him with almost a 
scream) No no! (they again regard each other) 

Wilfred, (after the pause) That "damn" 's 
going to cost us seven dollars and a half ! 

Caroline. It's worth it ! Why it's the best thing 
you've got in the whole thing! Your papa's a gen- 
eral in the army ! He'll understand that ! What's 
next? Ah know there's something now. 

Wilfred. (reads) " Tom-Kittridge-has-gone. 
He-was-killed-yesterday-at-Cold-Harbor." 

Caroline, (slight change in tone — a little lower) 
Leave out that about his (very slight catch of 
breath) about his being killed. 

Wilfred, (looking at Caroline) But he was! 

Caroline, (she is suddenly very quiet) Ah 
know he was — but you haven't got to tell him the 
news — have you? 

Wilfred. That's so! (they both cross off the 
words) 

Caroline, (becoming cheerful again) How does 
it read now? (they are both looking over the letter) 

Wilfred. It reads just the same — except that 
about Tom Kittridge. 



76 SECRET SERVICE 

Caeoline. {looking at Wilfeed astonished) Just 
the same ! After all this work ! 

(They look at one another rather astounded for an 
instant, then suddenly turn to the letter again 
and study over it earnestly. Sound of door bell 
in distant part of house. Soon after Maetha 
crosses outside l. coming from door e. of 
stairway to go to door. Sound of door off l. A 
moment later she is seen going up the stairway 
carrying a large envelope. Wilfeed and Caeo- 
line are so absorbed in work that they do not 
observe the bell or Maetha's movements outside 
up l.) 

Caeoline. (looking up from letter) Everything 
else has got to stay ! 

Wileeed. Then we can't telegraph — it would take 
hundreds of dollars ! 

Caeoline. (with determination) Yes we can! 
(Wileeed looks at her. She takes the letter) Ah'll 
send it! (backing up a little toward door up l.) 

Wilfeed. How can you — (interrupted) 

Caeoline. Never you mind! 

Wilfeed. (follows her up a little) See here ! 
(taking hold of the letter) Ah'm not going to have 
you spending money! 

Caeoline. Ha ! There's no danger ! Ah haven't 
got any to spend ! 

Wilfeed. (releases hold on letter) Then what 
are you going to do? 

Caeoline. (turning up toward door up l. with 
letter) Oh — Ah know! (turns toward Wilfeed) 
Ah reckon Douglass StaffordTl send it for me ! 

Wilfeed. (quickly to her) No he won't! (they 
face each other. Caeoline surprised) 

Caeoline. What's the reason he won't? 

Wilfeed. (slight pause) If he wants to send it 
for me he can — but he won't send it for you! 



SECRET SERVICE 77 

Caroline. What do you care s' long as he sends 
it? 

"Wilfred, (up c. Looking at Caroline — slight 
change of tone — softer) Well — Ah care! That's 
enough! (they look at each other, then loth lower 
'eyes, looking in different directions) 

Caroline, (up l. c.) Oh, well — if yon feel like 
that about it — ! (turns away down l. c.) 

Wilfred, (up c. eyes lowered) That's the way 
Ah feel ! (pause — Wilfred looks up at her — goes 
down toward her) Yon — yon won't give np the idea 
of helping me because I feel like that — will you? 

Caroline, (impulsively, with start and turn 
toward Wilfred) Mercy no — Ah'll help you all I 
can! (Wilfred impulsively takes her hand as if in 
gratitude and so quick that she draws it away and 
goes on with only a slight break) About the letter! 
Wilfred, That's what Ah mean ! (they stand an 
instant, Caroline looking down, Wilfred at her) 

Caroline, (suddenly turning toward desk and 
crossing him to R.) Ah'm going to see if we can't 
leave out something else ! (sits at desk. Wilfred 
goes down r. near her on her L, and stands looking 
over her, intent on the letter) 

(Enter Mrs. Varney, coming down the stairway and 
into the room at door up l. She has an open 
letter in her hand. Also brings a belt and cap 
rolled up together. She pauses at the door and 
motions someone who is outside l. to come in. 
Martha follows her down and exits through 
door r. of stairway.) 
(Enter an orderly up l. just from his horse after a 
long ride. Dusty, faded and bloody uniform; 
yellow stripes. Face sunburned and grim. He 
stands near the door up l. waiting, with out 
effort to be precise or formal, but nevertheless 
being entirely soldierly. Mrs. Varney waits 
until he enters.) 



78 SECRET SERVICE 

Mes. Vaeney. (comes down c. a little) Wilfred! 
(Wilfeed and Caroline turn quickly. They both 
stare motionless for a moment) Here's a letter from 
your father. He sent it by the orderly. (Wilfeed 
moves a step or two toward Mes. Vaeney and stands 
looking at her. Caeoline slowly rises with her eyes 
on Mes. Vaeney. Mes. Vaeney speaks calmly but 
with the measured quietness of one who is controlling 
herself) He tells me — (she stops a little but it is 
only her voice that falls. She does not break down 
or show emotion. Holds letter toward Wilfeed) 
Yon read it! 

(Wilfeed, after glance at Caeoline, steps quickly to 
Mes. Vaeney and takes the letter. Reads it — 
Mes. Vaeney looking away a little as he does 
so. Caeoline's eyes upon Wilfeed as he reads. 
The orderly faced to E. on obliqued line of door. 
Wilfeed finishes very soon — only two or three 
seconds necessary. He glances at the orderly, 
then hands the letter to his mother as he steps 
across to him.) 

Wilfeed. (standing before the orderly) The 
General says Ah'm going back with you! 

Oedeely. (saluting) His orders, sir! 

Wilfeed. When do we start? 

Oedeely. Soon as yon can sir — Ah'm waiting! 

Wilfeed. We'll make it right now! (Wilfeed 
turns and walks quickly to his mother) You won't 
mind, mother. 

(Mrs. Varney does not speak, but quietly strokes the 
hair back from his forehead with a trembling 
hand — and only once. She then hands him the 
belt and cap. Old and worn cap. Belt that 
has seen service.) 

Mes. Vaeney. (low voice) Your brother wanted 
you to take these — I told him you were going. (Wil- 



SECRET SERVICE 79 

feed takes them. Puts on the belt at once) He says 
he can get another belt — when he wants it. You're 
to have his blankets too — Ah'll get them. (she 
crosses Wilfred and goes of at door up l. and off to 
l. going back of orderly) 

(Wilfred finishing adjusting the belt. Caroline 
motionless R. but now looking down at the floor 
— facing nearly front.) 

Wilfred, (suppresses excitement) Fits as if it 
was made for me! (to orderly) Ah'll be with you 
in a jiffy! (Wilfred goes to Caroline) We 
won't have to send that now — (indicating letter 
they have been working on) will we? (Wilfred 
stands on her l. Caroline shakes her head a little 
without looking up — then slowly raises left hand in 
which she has the letter and holds it out to him, her 
eyes still on the floor. Wilfred takes the letter 
mechanically and keeps it in his hand during the next 
few lines, tearing it up absent-mindedly) You're 
pretty good — to help me like you did ! You can help 
me again if you — if you want to ! (Caroline raises 
her eyes and looks at him) Ah'd like to fight twice 
as well if — (hesitates. Caroline looks at him an 
instant longer and then looks down ivithout speak- 
ing) Good-b}'e! (Wilfred holds out his hand. 
Caroline puts her hand in his ivithout looking at 
him) Perhaps you'll write to me about — about help- 
ing me fight twice as well ! Ah wouldn't mind if you 
telegraphed ! That is — if you telegraphed that you 
would! (slight pause. Wilfred holding Caroline's 
hand boyishly. Caroline looking down. Wilfred 
trying to say something but not finding the words. 
Enter Mrs. Vaiiney at door up L. Wilfred hears 
her and turns — leaving Caroline and meeting his 
mother near c. She brings an army blanket rolled 
and lied. WILFRED lakes it and slings it over his 
shoulder) Good-bye mother! (he kisses her rather 



80 SECRET SERVICE r 

hurriedly. Mes. Vaeney stands passive) You won't 
mind, will you. (Wilfeed crosses at once to orderly 
with eagerness and enthusiasm) Eeady sir! (salut- 
ing. Orderly turns and marches off at door up left. 
Wilfeed follows the orderly. Brief pause) 
(The opening and heavy closing of the door outside 
left is heard, and then it is still. Mes. Vaeney 
is the first to move. She turns and walks slowly 
up a few steps, her back to the audience, but with 
no visible emotion. It is as if her eyes filled 
with tears and she turned away. When Mes. 
Vaeney stops up o. Caeoline moves a little, her 
eyes still down, walking slowly across toward 
door left, but not with emphasized deliberation. 
Merely not with her usual alacrity. Mes. Vae- 
ney hears her going and turns in time to speak 
just before she reaches the door up L. c.) 
Mes. Vaeney, Going, dear? (Caeoline nods 
her head a little without looking round) Oh yes I 
(speaks with a shade of forced cheerfulness) Your 
party of course ! You ought to be there ! ( Caeoline 
stops and speaks back into the room without looking 
at Mes. Vaeney) 

Caroline, (subdued voice. With a sad little 
shake of head) There won't — (shakes head again 
a little) There won't be any party to-night. 
(Exit at door up l. and off l.) 

Mes. Vaeney. (after an instant's wait starts 
toward door up l.) Caroline ! Stop a moment ! (at 
door) I don't want you to go home alone ! (she goes 
down l. and rings the bell) 

Caeoline. (outside l.) Oh Ah don't mind! 
(Sounds of front door and heavy steps of men out- 
side, up left. Mes. Yaeney goes tip l. looks off 
and then retires back a little into the room 
to up c.) 
(Enter Aeeelsfoed and two soldiers at the door up 



SECRET SERVICE 81 

L. Aeeelsfoed motions men to stand at the door 
and goes quickly to Mrs. Vaeney up c.) 

Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) Is lie — ? (a motion 
toward window at e.) 

Mes. Vaeney. (to Aeeelsfoed, hardly above a 
whisper) Yes! (Glances round toward window R.) 

(Enter Caeoline at door up left from off l.) 

Caeoline. (up l. c.) Oh Mrs. Varney — there's 
a heap o' soldiers out yere ! You don't reckon any- 
thing's the mattah do you? 

(Enter Maetha at door up l. from door r. of 
stairway. Arrelsford goes bach of Mrs. Var- 
ney to window up r. Looks through curtains 
of window downn.) 

Mrs. Varney. (hastening to Caroline) Sh! — 
No — there's nothing the matter! Martha, I want 
yon to go home with Miss Mitford — at once ! urging 
Caroline off) Good night dear! (kissing her) 

Caroline, (up l. c.) Good night! (looks up in 
Mrs. Vaeney's face) Yon don't reckon she could 
go with me to — (hesitates) somewhere else, do you? 

Mrs. Varney. (up l. c, r. of Caroline) Why 
where do you want to go ? 

Caroline. Just to — just to the telegraph office! 

(Arrelsford turns sharply and looks at Caroline 
from window down R.) 

Mi?s. Varney. Now! At this time of night! 
Caroline. Ah've got to ! Oh, it's very important 
business ! 

(Arrelsford down R. watching Caroline.) 

Mrs. Varney. Of course, then Martha must go 
with you! Goodnight! 

Caroline. Good night! (exit Caroline and 
Martha at door up l. and off l.) 



82 SECRET SERVICE 

Mks. Varney. (calling off to Martha) Martha, 
don't leave her an instant ! 

Martha, (outside l. or just going) No'm — Ah'll 
take care ! 

(Martha does not come into room for foregoing 
scene. She remains hack of archway or opening 
up L. c. Heavy sound of door outside up L.) 

Arrelsford. (going up c. quickly — low, sharp 
voice) What is she gong to do at the telegraph 
office? 

Mrs. Varney. (going down l. c. a little. Low 
voice) Pvenoidea! (accent on the " i") 

Arrelsford. (low voice) Has she had any con- 
versation with him? (motion toward R.) 

Mrs. Varney. (low voice) Why — they were talk- 
ing together here — early this evening! But it isn't 
possible she could 

Arrelsford. (interrupting ; low voice) Anything 
is possible ! (goes over to Corporal at up l. quickly, 
passing back of Mrs. Varney. Mrs Varney moves 
to up r. c. as Arrelsford crosses at back) Have 
Eddinger follow that girl ! Don't let any dispatch 
go out until I see it ! Make no mistake about that ! 
(Corporal exits with salute at door up l. and off l. 
Brief pause. Arrelsford turns to Mrs. Varney) 
Are they both out there? (motions toward R.) 

Mrs. Varney. (up e. c. Low tone. A glance 
back at R. first) Yes ! Did you bring the man from 
Libby Prison. 

Arrelsford. (l. of her. Low voice) The guard's 
holding him in the street. When we get Thome in 
here alone I'll have him brought up to that window 
(pointing at window up R.) an' shoved into the room ! 

(Corporal re-appears at the door up l. and waits 
for further orders. Arrelsford and Mrs. Var- 
ney continue in low tones) 



SECRET SERVICE 83 



Mrs. Varney. (r. c.) Where shall I- 



Arrelsford. Out there (pointing up l. and going 
toward door a little) where you can get a view of 
this room! 

Mrs. Varney. But if he sees me 

Arrelsford. He won't if it's dark in the hall! 
(turns to Corporal and gives order in low distinct 
voice) Shut off those lights out there I (indicating 
lights outside the door or archway up left. Corporal 
exits up l. Lights off) We can close these curtains 
can't we? 

Mrs. Varney. Yes. (Arrelsford draws cur- 
tains at door or archway up l.) 

Arrelsford. I don't want much light in here! 
(indicating drawing-room. Corporal and Men exit 
np Left) 

(Arrelsford goes to table up l. c. and turns gas or 
lamp down. Mrs. Varney turns down lamp on 
desk R. 1. — Stage in half light.) 

Arrelsford. (carefully moves couch away from 
window up r. and opens portieres of window.— 
Almost in a whisper) Now open those curtains! 
Carefully! Don't attract attention! (indicating 
window down R.) 

(Mrs. Varney very quietly draws bach the curtains 
to window down R. Moonlight on through 
window down r. covering as much of stage as 
possible. Moonlight also strong on baching up 

E.) 

Arrelsford. (moving over to up L. c. Speaking 
across to Mrs. Varney after the lights are down) 
Are those women in there yet? (indicating door 
up c.) 

Mrs. Varney. Yes. 

Arrelsford. Where's the key? (Mrs. Varney 
moves noiselessly to the door up c.) Is it on the 
inside? 



84 SECRET SERVICE 

(Mrs. Varney turns and nods affirmatively.) 

Arrelsford. Lock the door ! 

(Mrs. Varney turns the hey as noiselessly as 
possible. Edith suddenly appears at window up 
R. coming on quickly and closing the windows 
after her. — Mrs. Varney and Arrelsford both 
turn and stand looking at her. — Edith turns to 
them and stands an instant.) 

Edith, (going down r. c. and stretching out left 
hand toward Mrs. Varney — Very low voice — but 
breathlessly and with intensity) Mama! (Mrs. 
Varney hurries forward with her c. Edith on her 
r. Arrelsford remains up l. c. looking on) I want 
to speak to you! 

Arrelsford. (l. c. Low tone — Stepping for- 
ward) "We can't wait ! 

Edith, (c.) Yon mnst! (Arrelsford moves 
back protestingly. Edith turns to Mrs. Varney — 
Almost a whisper) I can't — I can't do it! Oh — 
let me go ! 

Mrs. Varney. (c. Very low voice) Edith! Yon 
were the one who 

Edith, (almost a whisper) I was sure then! 

Mrs. Varney. Has he confessed? 

Edith. (quickly) No no! (glance toward 
Arrelsford) 

Arrelsford. (low voice — sharp) Don't speak so 
loud ! 

Mrs. Varney. (low voice) What is it Edith — 
Yon mnst tell me ! 

Edith, (almost a whisper) Mama — he loves me ! 

(breathless with emotion) — Yes — and I Oh — let 

someone else do it! 

Mrs. Varney. Yon don't mean that you — 
(Arrelsford comes forward quickly l. c.) 



SECRET SERVICE 85 

Edith, (seeing Arrelsford approach and crossing 
Mrs. Varney to him) No no! Not now! Not 
now! 

Mrs. Varney. (c. r. Low voice) More reason 
now than ever ! 

Arrelsford. (c. l. Low voice) We must go on! 

Edith, (c. Turning desperately upon Arrels- 
ford. Low voice) Why are yon doing this? 

Arrelsford. (low voice) Because I please ! 

Edith, (low voice — but with force) Yon never 
pleased before! Hundreds of suspicions eases have 
come np — hundreds of men have been run down — 
but you preferred to sit at your desk in the War 
Department. 

Mrs. Varney. (low voice) Edith! 

Arrelsford. (low voice) We won't discuss that 



now 



Edith, (low voice) No — we'll end it! I'll have 
nothing more to do with the affair! 

Arrelsford. (low voice) You won't! 

Mrs. Varney. (low voice) You won't! 

Edith, (low voice) Nothing at all ! — Nothing! — 
Nothing ! 

Arrelsford. (low voice but with vehemence) At 
your own suggestion Miss Varney, I agreed to a plan 
by which we could criminate this friend of yours — 
or establish his innocence. At the critical moment — 
when everything's ready you propose to withdraw — 
making it a failure and perhaps allowing him to 
escape altogether! 

Mrs. Varney. (low voice) You mustn't do this 
Edith ! 

Edith, (low voice — But desperately) He's there! 
The man is there — at the further end of the veranda ! 
What more do you want of me! 

Arrelsford. (low voice. Sharp. Intense) Call 
'im into this room ! If anyone else should do it he'd 
suspect ! He'd be on his guard ! 



86 SECRET SERVICE 

Edith, (after pause. Low voice) Very well — I'll 
call 'im into this room, (moves as if to do so) 

AEKELSFOEDi (low voice) One thing more! I 
want 'im to have this paper! (holding out paper 
that teas taken from Jonas in Act I) Tell 'im where 
it came from — tell 'im the old niggah got it from a 
prisoner in Libby ! 

Edith, (quietly. Low voice) Why am I to do 
this? 

Aeeelsfoed. (low hut very strong) Why not? 
If he's innocent where' s the harm? — If not — if he's 
in this plot — the message on that paper will send 'im 
to the telegraph office to-night and that's just where 
we want him ! 

Edith, (low voice) I never promised that! 

Aeeelsfoed. (hard sharp voice though subdued) 
Do yon still believe him innocent? 

(Pause. Edith slowly raises her head erect. Looks 
Aeeelsfoed full in the face.) 

Edith, (almost whisper) I still — believe him — 
innocent ! 

Aeeelsfoed. Then why are you afraid to give 
him this? (indicating paper) 

(Pause. Edith turns to Aeeelsfoed. Stretches 
out her hand for the paper. — Aeeelsfoed puts 
the paper in Edith's hand. She pauses a mo- 
ment. — Aeeelsfoed and Mes. Vaeney watch 
her. She turns and moves up a few steps toward 
the window. Stops and stands listening up c. 
Noise of chair off e.) 

Edith, (low voice) Captain Thome's coming. 

Aeeelsfoed. (going to door up l. c. and holding 
curtain back) This way Mrs. Varney! Quick! 
Quick! (Aeeelsfoed and Mes. Vaeney hasten off 
at the door up l. closing portieres after them) 



SECRET SERVICE 87 

(Edith moves down l. c. and stands near table. — 
Sound of Thorne's footsteps on veranda outside 
windows r. — Edith slowly turns toward the 
window up r. and stands looking at it with a 
fascinated dread. Thorne opens the window 
■up r. and enters at once, coming a few steps into 
the room, when he stops and stands an instant 
looking at Edith as she looks strangely at him. 
Then he goes to her.) 

Thorne. (low voice — near Edith) Is anything 
the matter? 

Edith, (slightly shakes her head before speaking. 
Nearly a whisper) Oh no! (emphasize "no." 
Stands looking up in his face) 

Thorne. {low voice) You've been away such 
a long time ! 

Edith, (low voice) Only a few minutes ! 

Thorne. (low voice) Only a few years. 

Edith, (easier) Oh — if that's a few years — (turn- 
ing away front a little) what a lot of time there is! 

Thorne. (low voice) No. — There's only to-night! 

Edith, (turning to him. A breathless interroga- 
tion) What! 

Thorne. (taking her hands) There's only to- 
night and you in the world! — Oh — see what I've 
been doing ! I came here determined not to tell you 
I love you — and for the last half hour I've been 
telling you nothing else ! Ah, my darling — there's 
only to-night and you ! 

Edith, (suddenly moving back a little from him. 
Nearly a breathless whisper) No no — you mustn't! 
(a quick apprehensive glance around down toward 
left and back) — not now! (Edith speaks the above 
very fast — and as if afraid she would be overheard. 
She stands turned away from him to front) 

(Thobne holds position he was in an instant. Then 
moves back slightly, and as she is looking front 



88 SECRET SERVICE 

he darts a quick suspicious glance toward cur- 
tains up l. and instantly hack to her. Edith 
moves forward a little, Thoene slowly releasing 
her hand. — After looking at her there an instant 
Thoene darts another swift glance — this time 
toward the window up e. and the same instant 
back to her again.) 

Thoene. (low voice. From where he stands — 
above her) Don't mind what I said Miss Varney — 
I must have forgotten myself, (brief pause. He 
steps down to right of EdIth) Believe me I came 
to make a friendly call and — and say good-bye. 
(bowing slightly) Permit me to do so now. (turns 
up at once making turn to L. and walks toward door 
up Left) 

Edith, (quickly across to e. c. as Thoene goes 
up) Oh! — Cap'n Thorne ! (this is timed to stop 
Thoene just before he reaches the closed portieres of 
door up l. Thoene turns up l. c. and looks at 
Edith. Calcium across from window e. on him. 
Edith trying to be natural — but her lightness some- 
what forced) Before yon go I — (slight quiver in 
her voice) — I wanted to ask yonr advice abont some- 
thing ! (she stands turned a little to front) 

(Thoene looks at her motionless an instant longer, 
then turns his head slowly toward the portieres 
on his left. Turns back to Edith at e. c. again 
and at once moves down to her on her l.) 

Thoene. (as he comes down to Edith) Yes? 

Edith, (a little e. of c.) What do yon think 
this means? (holds the piece of paper out toward 
him but avoids looking in his face) 

Thoene. (l. of Edith. Stepping quickly to her 
and taking the paper easily) Why, what is it? (a 
half-glance at the paper as he takes it) 

Edith. It's a — (hesitates slightly. Recovers at 



SECRET SERVICE 89 

once and looks up at him brightly) That's what I 
want you to tell me. 

Thorne. {looking at the paper) Oh — you don't 
know ! 

Edith, (shaking her head slightly) No. (stands 
waiting — eyes averted) (Thorne glances quickly at 
her an instant on peculiar tone of "no") 

Thorne. (looking again at the paper) A note 
from someone? 

Edith. It might be. 

Thorne. (glancing about) Well, it's pretty dark 
here ! (glances R. toward low-turned lamp on desk. 
Crosses to it) If you'll excuse me I'll turn up this 
lamp a little more — (going R. to desk) then we can 
see what it is. (turns up lam,p. Lights on foots 1-2) 
There we are ! (looks at paper. As soon as he sees 
it, looks front quickly shovnng that he recognizes it. 
But no start. Slow turn to Edith. Then looks at 
the paper again — Reads as if with difficulty) "At- 
tack .... to-night" .... There's something 
about " Attack to-night " — (turns to Edith) Could 
you make out what it was ? 

(Edith shakes head negatively. Her lips move, tut 
she cannot speak. She turns away.) 

(Thorne looks at her a second — then a slow turn of 
head, looking up stage — then turns to examine the 
paper again) " Attack .... to-night .... plan 
.... three." (Looks up to front as if considering. 
Repeats) Plan three! (Considering again — slight 
laugh) Well — this thing must be a puzzle of some 
kind, Miss Varney. (Turning to Edith) 

Edith, (slowly. Strained voice, as if forcing 
herself to speak) It was taken from a Yankee pris- 
oner ! 

THORNE. (instantly coming from former easy al- 
titude into one showing interest and surprise. Look- 



90 SECRET SEE VICE 

ing at Edith) So! — Yankee prisoner eh? (while 
speaking he is instinctively holding paper in right 
hand as if to look at it again when he finishes speak- 
ing to Edith) 

Edith. Yes — down in Libby I — He gave it to one- 
of our servants — old Jonas ! 

Thoene. (turns quickly to paper) Why heref 
This might be something — (Looks again at the 
paper) " Attack to-night — plan three — use Tele- 
graph — " (second's pause. He looks up front) 
Use telegraph! (turns quickly to Edith and goes 
toward her) This might be something important 
Miss Varney ! Looks like a plot on our Department 
Telegraph Lines ! Who did Jonas give it to ? 

Edith. N'o one ! 

Thoene. Well — how — how — ( interrupted) 

Edith. We took it away from him ! 

Thoene. Oh! (long 'Oh' of ' How could you/ 
Starting at once as if to cross above Edith to l.) 
That was a mistake ! 

Edith, (detaining him. Speaks rapidly — almost 
a whisper) What are you going to do ? 

Thoene. (strong. Determined) Find that nigger 
and make him tell who this paper was for — he's the 
man we want! (crossing back of her to L. and up 
toward door) 

Edith, (turning quickly to him) Cap'n Thorne — 
they've lied about you ! 

Thoene. (wheeling round like a flash — and coming 
down quickly l. of her) Lied about me! What do 
you mean? (seizing her hands and looking in her 
face to read what it is) 

Edith. (quick — breathless — very low — almost 
whisper) Don't be angry — I didn't think it would be 
like this ! 

Thoene. (tvith great force) Yes — but what have 
you done ? 

Edith, (breaking loose from him and crossing to 



SECRET SERVICE 91 

x.) No! (almost a quick cry spoken close on his 
speech) 

Thorne. (as she crosses before him — trying to de- 
tain her) But I must know ! 

(Heavy sound of door outside L. and of steps and 
voices in the hall — * 11 ere I This ivjuj;!' etc.) 

Corporal, (off l. Speaking outside door up l.) 
This way ! Look out on that side will yon ? 

(Thorne stands near c. listening.) 

Edith. Oh! (going rapidly up l.) — I don't 
want to be here ! (she exits door up l. and goes up 
stairs out of the way of the soldiers. Thorne in- 
stantly backs down to R. of c. drawing revolver and 
stands ready for attack from up l.) 

(Enter at once on exit of Edith, Corporal with two 
men at door up l. They cross rapidly toward 
ivindow up R. — Corporal leading, carrying a 
lighted lantern. Thorne, seeing Corporal, at 
once breaks position and moves across towards up 
c. as men cross, watching Corporal who is up 
r. c.) 

Corporal, (near window up r.) Ont here! Look 
out now! 

(The men exit at window up R.) 

Thorne. (quick on Corporal's speech so as to 
stop him at r. c.) What is it Corporal? (putting 
revolver back into holster) 

(Thorne stands up c. in light of calcium from win- 
dow up R. facing Corporal r.) 

Corporal, (turning at up R. and saluting) Pris- 
oner sir — broke out o' Libby! We've run him down 
the street — he turned in here somewhere! If he 



92 SECRET SERVICE 

comes in that way would yon be good enongh to let ns 
know! (pointing to the window down R.) 

Thoene. Go on, Corporal ! (starts across to win- 
dow down R.) I'll look ont for this window ! 

{Exit Corporal window up r.) 

(Thoene strides rapidly to window down R. — Pushes 
curtains back each side and stands within the 
window looking off. Right hand on revolver, l. 
hand holding curtains back. Moonlight on 
through window down r. across stage and also 
from window up R. Dead pause for an instant. 
Suddenly the two men who crossed with Cor- 
poral appear at window up r. holding Henry 
Dumont. With a sudden movement they force 
him on through the window and disappear 
quickly outside off to R. Dumont stands where 
he landed up R. c. looking back through win- 
dow not comprehending what is going on. He 
gives a quick glance about the room. Dumont 
ivears uniform of United States Cavalry, worn 
with service. He is pale as from lack of food — 
but not emaciated or ill. Hold this Tableau: — 
Thorne down R. standing motionless near win- 
dow waiting — Dumont up R. a, holding position 
he struck on entrance. Enough light on him to 
show the blue United States uniform. After a 
second's pause Dumont turns from the window 
and looks slowly about the room, taking in the 
various points like a caged animal, turning his 
head very slowly as he looks one way and another. 
Soon he moves a few steps down R. c. and pauses. 
Turns and makes out a doorway up L., and after 
a glance round, he walks rapidly toward it. Just 
before he reaches the door there is a slight sound 
outside, and the blades of two or three bayonets 
come down into position through the curtains, 



SECBET SERVICE 93 

showing at the door and barring his exit. He 
stops on seeing the bayonets. Slight click of 
bayonets striking together as they come into po- 
sition. Set light outside window R. to strike 
across on blades of bayonets.) 

(On noise of bayonets up l. Thorne turns quickly 
and moves a few steps into the room, trying to 
see who is there. He sees Dumont up l. and 
stands looking across at him. Bayonets with- 
drawn at once after they are shown. Dumont 
turns from the door and begins to move slowly 
down stage at l., along the wall. Just as he is 
coming around table down L. toward c. he sees 
Thorne and stops dead. Both men motionless, 
their eyes upon each other. Hold it several 
seconds. Dumont makes a start as if to escape 
through ivindow up r v moving across toward it.) 

Thorne. (quick and loud order as Dumont starts 
toward window) Halt ! — You're a prisoner ! 

(Dumont, after instant's hesitation on Thorne' s 
order, starts rapidly toward window up R. 
Thorne heads him off, meeting him up R. c. and 
seizes him.) 

Thorne. (as he heads Dumont off) Halt! I 

•say! 

(The two men struggle together, moving quickly 
down stage to l. c, very close to front — get- 
ting as far as possible from those who are 
watching them.) 

Thorne. (loud voice, as they struggle down stage) 
here's your man Corporal ! What are you doing 
there? 



94 SECRET SERVICE 

Dumont. {when down as far as possible — holding 
Thoene motionless an instant and hissing out be- 
tween his teeth, without pause or inflection on 
words) ATTACK TO-NIGHT— PLAN THREE 
—TELEGRAPH— DO YOU GET IT? 

Thoeke. (quick on it) YES ! 

(This dialogue in capitals shot at each other with 
great force and rapidity — and so low that peo- 
ple outside door up l. could not hear.) 

Dumont. (low voice — almost whisper) They're 
watching us ! Shoot me in the leg ! 

Thoene. (holding Dumont motionless) No no! 
I can't do that! 

Dumont. Yon must! 

Thoene. (quick on it) I can't shoot my own 
brother ! 

Ditmont. It's the only way to throw 'em off the 
scent ! 

Thoeke. Well I won't do it anyhow! 

Dumont. If yon won't do it I will ! Give me 
that revolver ! (pushing left arm out to get re- 
volver) 

Thoeke. (holding Dumont's arm back motion- 
less) No no Harry! Yon'll hurt yourself! 

Dumont. (beginning struggle to get revolver) 
I don't care ! Let me have it ! (etc., as they strug- 
gle up c.) 

(They struggle quickly up c. a little to e. — so that 
they are in light from window down e.) 

Thoene. (calling out as he struggles up c. with 
Dumont) Here's your man Corporal! What's the 
matter with you ! 

Dumont. (holding Thoene motionless up c. in 
light and trying to get at his revolver) Give me 
that gun! 



SECRET SERVICE 95 

Thoene. (as Dumont holds him up c. and is 
just getting revolver) (Loud — aspirated — sharp!) 
Look out Harry ! You'll hurt yourself ! ( Gets his 
E. hand on revolver to hold it) (Dumont manages 
with his l. to wrench Thoene' s hand loose from 
the revolver and hold it up while he seizes the 
weapon with Ids e. hand and pulls it out of the 
holster. At the same time he shoves Thoene of to 

E.) 

Thoene. (as Dumont throws him off e.) Look 
out! (this follows right on last speech 'hurt your- 
self). (Dumont moves bach to up c. attempting 
to fire the gun at himself. Before Thoene can 
recover and turn at right Dumont fires. There is a 
quick sharp scream from ladies outside l. Dumont 
with a groan, staggers down toward c. and falls 
mortally wounded holding the revolver in his hand 
until he is down and then releasing it, so that 
Thoene can find it near.) 

Thoene. (back against chair at e. — which he 
was flung against and nearly upset. On shot and 
scream) Harry — you've shot yourself! (instantly 
on this he dives for the revolver that Dumont has 
dropped and gets it, coming up on same motion 
with 'it in right hand and stands in careless attitude 
just over Dumont' s body to R. of it. Men's voices 
heard outside up l. Arrelsford giving an order) 

(Enter Arrelsford and men from door up left, 
followed by Edith, Mks. Vaeney and Miss 
Kitteidge. — Enter CoitroEAL and men from 
the window up R. Areelseoed runs at once to 
table up c. and turns up lamp. Others stand 
on tableau — Mrs. Vaeney and Edith at left 
Miss Kittridge up l. Men in doorway and 
up R. c. — near window. Arrelsford's cue to 
cnlcr is ThoRNE's gelling revolver. Others on 
with him, with quick exclamations as below, and 



0ff SECRET SERVICE 

stand at once on tableau — so that Thorne's line 
comes right on their entrance and lights up and 
all quiet.) 



(Lights full on instantly on Arrelsford reaching 
lamp. Should come nearly on entrance of 
people) 

Arrelsford, Mrs. Yarney, Edith, Miss Kit- 
tridge, Corporal, Men", (as they enter) Where is 
he ! What has he done ! He's shot the man ! This 
way now! (etc. etc. Tliese different exclamations 
nearly together as they rush into the room) % 

(Exclamations stop at once on lights on.) 

Thorne. (with careless swing of revolver across 
him toward c. as he brings it up to put bach into 
holster— as the people stop quiet) There's your 
prisoner Corporal — look out for him ! (stands at 
R. c. putting revolver bach into holster) 

CURTAIN 

Time of playing — 22 minutes. 

Wait between Acts II and III — 9 minutes. 



ACT III 

Scenes: — The War Department Telegraph Office. 

Ten o'clock 

Plain and somewhat battered and grimy room. 
Stained and smohy walls. Large windows — the 
glass covered with grime and cobivebs. Plaster 
off walls and ceiling in some places. All this 
from neglect — not from bombardment. It is a 



SECRET SERVICE 97 

room in a public building which was formerly 
somewhat handsome. Moldings and stucco- 
work broken and discolored. 

It is on the second floor of the building. 

Very large and high door or double doors up 
R. c. obliqued. This door opens to a corridor 
showing plain corridor-backing of a public 
building. This door must lead off well to R. so 
that it shall not interfere with window showing 
street up l. c. Three ivide French windows up 
l. c. obliqued a little — opening down to floor, 
with balcony outside extending R. and l. 
and showing- several massive white columns, 
bases at balcony and extending up out of sight 
as if for several stories above. Part of the 
building with columns shown in perspective, as 
if a wing. Backing of windows showing night 
view of city roofs and buildings as from height 
of second floor. Large disused fireplace with 
elaborate marble mantel in bad repair and very 
dirty on r. side behind telegraph tables. Door 
up c. opening to cupboard with shelves on 
which are Battery Jars and Telegraph Office 
truck of various kinds. Boom lighted by gas 
on R. to turn out easily on stage. Show even- 
ing through window up L. — dark, with lights 
of buildings very faint and distant, keeping 
general effect outside window of darkness — to 
avoid distracting attention from interior of 
room,. Electric 'Calciums (moonlight) to throw 
on at window on cues and also hold it on 'lie 
missive white columns — and on the characters 
who go out on the balcony. Corridor outside 
door up R. c. not strongly illuminated. In the 
room itself fair light but not brilliant Plain, 
solid (able with telegraph instruments down 



m SECERT SERVICE 

E. c. Other tables with instruments along wall 
at right side. Table down e. c. braced to look 
as if fastened securely to the floor. Also see 
that wire connections are properly made from 
all the instruments in the room to wires run- 
ning up the wall on right side, thence across 
along ceiling to up L. and out through broken 
lights in upper part of windows up l. This 
large bunch of wires leading out, in plain sight, 
is most important. Large office clock over 
mantel set at 10 o'clock at opening and to run 
without fail during the Act. 

Tivo instruments A. and D. on table down E. c. — 
a. is at e. end of table and is only one used at 
that table, d. being for safety, b. and c. on long 
table against fireplace, b. is at lower end of 
table, c. at upper end; one chair at table down 
e. c. Two chairs at table e. One chair up c. 
No sound of cannonading in this Act. 

(At opening there are two operators at work, one 
at table down e. c. one at one of the tables on E. 
side. They are in old gray uniforms, but in 
shirt sleeves. Coats are hung up or thrown on 
chairs one side. Give busy click-effects of in- 
struments — but do not over-do it. After first 
continued clicking for a moment there are 
occasional pauses. Messengers A. and b. near 
door up e. c. Messenger No. 3 in front of door 
c. talking to messenger No. 4 Messenger No. 2 
looking out of middle window over L.) 

Second Opeeatob. (Lieut. Allison) (At table 
E. instrument b. finishing writing a dispatch) 
Readv here! (Messenaer a. steps quickly forward 
and takes dispatch) Department! The Secretary 
must have it to-night! (Messengee salutes and 



SECRET SERVICE 99 

exits quickly at door up 'R. with dispatch. Short 
pause. Other Messenger standing on attention) 

First Operator. (Lieut. Foray) (At table down 
r. c. instrument a.) Eeady here! (Messenger b. — 
steps quickly down and takes dispatch from First 
Operator) To the President — General Watson — 
marked private ! (Messenger b. ? salutes and off 
quickly door up E.) 

(Business continues a short time as before. Second 
Operator at R. moves to another instrument 
when it begins to click and answers call) 

(Messenger 1. enters hurriedly at door up r. and 
comes down l. of table R. c. with dispatch.) 

Messenger 1. Major Bridgman! 

First Operator, (looking up from work) 
Bridgman ! Where's that ? 

Messenger 1. (glances at dispatch) Long- 
street's Corp. 

First Operator. That's yours Allison, (resumes 
work at instrument a.) 

(Second Operator holds out hand for dispatch. 
Messenger 1 crosses back of table R. c. gives it 
to him and exits at door up R. Bus. continues as 
before. Second Operator sends message on in- 
instrument b. Sound of band of music in dis- 
tance beginning very pp. increasing very grad- 
ually. Messengers go to windows up l. and 
look out but glance now and then at operators.) 

Messenger 2. (opening c. window and looking 
out while music is coming on and still distant) 
What's that going up Main Street? 

Messenger 3. (looks out) Richmond Grays! 

Messengers 2 and 4. (together) No! 

(All look out through middle window up L.) 



100 SECRET SERVICE 

Messenger 2. That's what they are, sure enough ! 

Messenger 3. They're sending 'em down the 
river ! 

Messenger 2. Not to-night! 

Messenger 4. Seems like they was, though ! 

Messenger 3. I didn't reckon they'd send the 
Grays out without there was something going on ! 

Messenger 4. How do you know but what there 
is? 

Messenger 2. To-night! Why good God! It's 
as quiet as a tomb ! 

Messenger 4. Ah reckon that's what's worrying 
'em ! It's so damned unusual ! 

(Sound of band gradually dies away. Before music 
dies away, First Operator finishes a dispatch 
from instrument A. and calls.) 

First Operator. Ready here! (Messenger 3. 
down to him to l. of table r. o. and takes dispatch) 
Department — from General Lee — duplicate to the 

President ! 

(Messenger 3 salutes and exits quickly up r. Busi- 
ness goes on. Enter an Orderly, door up r. 
Goes quickly down to First Operator. Mes- 
sengers 2 and 4 stand, talking near windows l.) 

Orderly, (l. of table r. c. salutes) The Secre- 
tary wants to know if there's anything from General 
Lee come in to-night? 

First Operator. Just sent one over an' a dupli- 
cate went out to the President. 

Oederly. The President's with the Cabinet yet — 
he didn't go home! They want an operator right 
quick to take down a cipher. 

First Operator, (calling out to Second Opera- 
tor) Got anything on, Charlie? 

Second Operator. Not right now! 



SECRET SERVICE 101 

Tirst Operator. Well go over to the Depart- 
ment — they want to take down a cipher. 

(Second Operator gets coat and exits door up r. 
putting coat on as he goes, followed by the 
Orderly who came for him. Business and 
dick of instruments goes on. Door up R. is 
opened from outside by a couple of young 
officers in showy and untarnished uniforms, who 
stand in most polite attitudes waiting for a lady 
to pass in. First Operator very busy writing 
at table R. c. talcing message from instrument a 
but stops this message for Caroline scene.) 

First Young Officer. Right this way, Miss Mit- 
ford! 

Second Young Officer. Allow me, Miss Mit- 
ford ! This is the Department Telegraph office ! 

(Enter at the door up r. Caroline Mitford. The 
young officers follow her in. Martha enters 
after the officers, and waits near door well up 
stage.) 

Caroline, (coming down c. as she comes in, 
speaks in rather subdued manner and without vivac- 
ity, as if her mind were upon what she came for — 
hardly giving a thought to the young officers) 
Thank you! 

First Young Officer, (on her l.) Ah'm afraid 
you've gone back on the Army, Miss Mitford! 

(Caroline looks at Fiest Young Officer question- 
ingly.) 

Caroline, (c.) Gone where? 

Second Young Officer, (on Caroline's r.) 
Seems like we ought to a' got a salute as you went 
by! 



102 SECRET SERVICE 

Caroline. Oh yes ! (salutes in perfunctory and 
absent-minded manner and turns away glancing 
about room and moving down a step or two) Good 
evening! (nodding to one of the Messenger's wait- 
ing up l. c.) 

Messenger 2. (touching cap and stepping quickly 
to Caroline l. of First Young Officer) Good 
evening, Miss Mitford! Could we do anything for 
yon in the office to-night? 

(Messenger a. remains up near upper window l.) 

Caroline. Ah want to send a telegram! 

(The three officers stand looking at Caroline quieted 
for a moment by her serious tone.) 

Second Young Officer. Ah'm afraid you've 
been havin' bad news, Miss Mitford? 

Caroline, (c.) No — (shaking her head) no! 

First Young Officer, (l. c.) Maybe some 
friend o' yours has gone down to the front ! 

Caroline, (beginning to be interested) Well — 
supposing he had — would you call that bad news? 

First Young Officer. Well Ah didn't know as 
you'd exactly like to 

Caroline. Then let me tell you — as you didn't 
know — that all my friends go down to the front! 

Second Young Officer. I hope not all Miss 
Mitford ! 

Caroline. Yes — all! If they didn't they 
wouldn't be my friends. 

First Young Officer. But some of us are 
obliged to stay back here to take care of you. 

Caroline. Well there's altogether too many try- 
ing to take care of me! You're all discharged! 
(crosses to l. corner) 

(Messenger No. 3 enters door up r. c. and joins 



SECRET SERVICE 103 

Messenger Ino. 4 up l. c. near upper window. 
Officers fall bach a little, looking rather foolish 
but entirely good-natured.) 

Second Young Officer, (c. good-naturedly) 
If we're really discharged Miss Mitford, looks like 
we'd have to go! 

First Young Officer, (l. c.) Yes — but we're 
mighty sorry to see yon in snch bad spirits Miss 
Mitford ! 

Second Young Officer and Messenger 2. l. c. 
and c. together) Yes indeed we are, Miss Mitford ! 

Caroline, (l. turning) Would you like to put 
me in real good spirits? 

First Young Officer. Would we ! 

Second Young Officer. You try us once ! 

Messenger 2. Ah reckon there ain't anything 
we'd like bettah! 

Caroline, (l.) Then Ah'll tell you just what to 
do! (they listen eagerly) Start out this very night 
and never stop till you get to where my friends are — 
lying in trenches and ditches and earthworks between 
us and the Yankee guns ! 

Second Young Officer, First Young Officer, 
Messenger 2. (remonstrating) But really, Miss — 
you don't mean — (etc.) 

Caroline. Fight Yankees a few days and lie in 
ditches a few nights till those uniforms you've got 
on look like they'd been some use to somebody! If 
you're so mighty anxious to do something for me, 
that's what you can do! (turning away to l.) It's 
the only thing Ah want! 

[The young officers stand rather discouraged an in- 
stant l. c.) 

First Operator. (business) "Ready here! 
(Messengeb 3 steps quickly down to l. of table w. c.) 



) 

104 SECRET SERVICE 

Department ! Commissary General's office ! (Mes- 
senger 3 salutes, takes dispatch and exits up e. c 
Messenger 2 returns to Messengr 4 during this, 
and stands with him near window up L. c.) 

(Messenger a. enters quickly at door up r. c. and 
comes down fo Operator 1, l. of table r. c. 
handing him a dispatch and at once makes his- 
exit again doors r. c. First and Second 
Young Oeeicers exit dejectedly at door up R. a 
after this Messenger.) 

Caroline, (going across with determined air to 
R. o. near Operator 1 when she sees an opportunity} 
Oh Lieutenant Foray! (accent on "Oh") 

First Operator, (turns and rises quickly with 
half salute. Caroline gives a little attempt at a 
military salute) I beg your pardon, Miss ! (grabs 
at his coat which is on a chair or table near at r. 
and hastily starts to put it on) I didn't know 

Caroline, (up c. a little. Remonstrating) No 
no — don't ! Ah don't mind. Yon see — Ah came on 
business I 

First Operator, (puts on coat) Want to send 
something ont? 

Caroline. Yes \ 

First Operator, (going to her, crossing back of 
table R. c.) 'Fraid we can't do attiring for yon 
here ! This is the War Department, Miss. 

Caroline. Ah know that — but it's the on'y way 
to send, an' Ah — (sudden loud click of instrument on 
instrument b. Table R. First Operator turns and 
listens) 

First Operator, (crossing back of table r. c.) 
Excuse me a minute, won't you? (going to instru- 
ment on lower table R. and answering. Writing 
down message, etc.) 

Caroline. Yes — Ah will, (a trifle disconcerted, 
stands uneasily up c.) 



SECRET SERVICE 105 

First Operator. Ready here! (Messenger 2 
down quickly to l. of First Operator at table r.) 
Department ! Quick as you can — they're waiting for 
it ! (Messenger 2 takes dispatch — salutes and exits 
at door up r. First Operator rises and crosses to 
Caroline who is up c. To Caroline) Now what 
was it you wanted us to do, Miss? 

Caroline, (c.) Just to (short gasp) to send a 
telegram. 

First Operator, (r. c.) I reckon it's private 
business ? 

Caroline, (c. Looking at him with wide open 
eyes) Ye — yes! It's — private! 

First Operator. Then you'll have to get an 
order from some one in the department, (goes down 
to back of table r. c. and picks up papers) 

Caroline. That's what Ah thought (taking out a 
paper) so Ah got it. (hands it to Operator) 

First Operator, (glancing at paper) Oh — 
Major S el win ! 

Caroline. Yes — he — he's one of my 

First Operator. It's all right then! (instru- 
ment b. calls. Quickly picks up a small sheet of 
paper and a pen and places them on table l. c. near 
Caroline and pushes chair up with almost the same 
movement) You can write it here Miss, (this is on 
upper side of the telegraph table down R. c.) 

Caroline. Thank }'ou. (sits at table — looks at 
sm,all sheet of paper — picks out large sheet — smooths 
it out. Business of writing) 

(First Operator returns to table at down r. and 
answers call and sits — writes hurriedly, taking 
down dispatch. Caroline earnestly writing — 
pausing an instant to think once or twice and a 
nervous glance toward First Operator. First 
Operator very busy. Martha standing mo- 
tionless up stage, waiting — her eyes fixed on the 



106 SECRET SERVICE 

telegraph instruments. Caroline ~bus. of start 
and drawing away suspiciously on loud click of 
instrument a. near her. Moves over to l. side 
of table, looking suspiciously at the instrument — 
puts pen in mouth — gets ink on tongue — makes 
wry face. Caroline carefully folds up her 
despatch when she has written it, and turns 
down a corner. First Operator when nearly 
through, motions to Messenger 4 and speaks 
hurriedly.) 

First Operator, (still writing) Here ! (Mes- 
senger 4 comes down quickly l. of First Operator 
and business) Department ! Try to get it in be- 
fore the President goes ! (handing Messenger 4 
dispatch. Messenger 4 salutes and exits at door 
up r. First Operator rising, to Caroline) Is 
that ready yet, Miss? 

Caroline, (rising, hesitating, getting l. of and a 
little above table r. c.) Yes, but I — (finally starts to 
hand it up to him) Of course you've — (hesitates) 
You've got to take it! 

First Operator, (near Caroline on her r. A 
brief puzzled look at her\ Yes, of course. 

(She hands him the dispatch. Re at once opens it.) 

Caroline, (sharp scream) Oh! (quickly seizes 
the paper out of his hand. They stand looking at 
one another a little l. of and above table r. o.) Ah 
didn't tell you to read it! 

First Operator, (after look at her) What did 
you want? 

Caroline. Ah want you to send it! 

First Operator. How am I going to send it if I 
don't read it? 

Caroline, (after looking at him in consterna- 
tion) Do — you — mean — to — say — 



SECRET SERVICE 107 

First Operator. I've got to spell out every word ! 
Didn't you know that? 

Caroline, (sadly, and shaking her head from side 
to side) Oh — Ah must have — but Ah — (Caroline 
pauses trying to think what to do) 

First Operator. Would there be any harm in 
my 

Caroline, (turning on him with sudden vehem- 
ence) Why Ah wouldn't have you see it for worlds! 
My gracious ! (she soon opens the dispatch and looks 
at it) 

First Operator, (good-naturedly) Is it as bad 
as all that ! 

Caroline. Bad ! It isn't bad at all ! On'y— Ah 
only don't want it to get out all over the town — 
that's all ! 

First Operator. It won't ever get out from this 
office, Miss. (Caroline looks steadfastly at First 
Operator) We wouldn't be allowed to mention 
anything outside ! 

Caroline, (a doubtful look at him) You 
wouldn't ! 

First Operator. No Miss. All sorts of private 
stuff goes through here. 

Caroline, (with new hope) Does it? 

First Operator. Every day ! Now if that's any- 
thing important 

Caroline, (impulsively) yes — it's — (recov- 
ering herself) — it is! 

First Operator. Then I reckon you'd better trust 
it to me. 

(Caroline looks at Operator a moment.) 

Caroline. Ye — yes — Ah reckon Ah had! (she 
hesitatingly hands him her telegram) 

(First Operator takes the paper and at once turns 



108 SECRET SERVICE 

away to the table r. as if to go to business of 
sending it on instrument b.) 

Caroline, (quickly) Oh stop! (First Opera- 

j, tor turns and looks at her from table down r.) Wait 

till I — (going up stage toward door hurriedly) 

Ah don't want to be here — while you spell out every 

word ! Ah couldn't stand that ! 

(First Operator stands good-naturedly waiting. 
Caroline takes hold of Martha to start out of 
door with her. Enter Eddinger — a private in 
a gray uniform — at door up R. Caroline and 
Martha stand back out of his way. He glances 
at them and at once goes down to First Opera- 
tor on his Jj., salutes and hands him a written 
order and crosses in front of table R. c. to 
l. o., wheels and stands at attention facing R. 
First Operator looks at the order, glances at 
Eddinger, then at Caroline. Caroline and 
Martha move as if to go out at door up r.) 

First Operator. Wait a minute, please ! (stand- 
ing near table down r. Caroline and Martha stop 
and turn toward First Operator) Are .you Miss 
Mitford? 

Caroline. Yes — Ah'm Miss Mitford! 

First Operator. I don't understand this ! Here's 
| an order just come in to hold back any dispatch 3^ou 

give us. 

Caroline, (after looking speechless at First 
Operator a moment) Hold back any — hold back — 

First Operator. Yes Miss. And that ain't the 
worst of it! 

Caroline. Wh — what else is there? (comes 
down c. a little way looking at First Operator with 
wide open eyes. Martha remains up near door up 

E.) 



SECRET SERVICE 109 

First Operator, (r.) This man has orders to 
take It back with him. (slight pause) 

Caroline, (a) Take it back with him? Take 
what back with him? 

First Operator, (near table down r.) Your dis- 
patch Miss. (Caroline simply opens mouth and 
slowly draws in her breath) There must be some 
mistake, but that's what the order says. 

Caroline, (with unnatural calmness) And where 
does it say to take it back to? 

First Operator, (loolcs at the order) The name 
is Arrelsford! (brief pause) 

Caroline. The order is for that man — (indicat- 
ing Eddinger l. c.) to take my dispatch back to Mr. 
Arrelsford ? 

First Operator. Yes Miss. 

Caroline. An' does it say anything in there about 
what Ah'm goin' to be doin' In the meantime? 

First Operator. No. 

Caroline. That's too bad! 

First Operator. I'm right sorry this has oc- 
curred Miss, and — (interrupted) 

Caroline. Oh — (shaking head) there isn't any 
occasion for your feeling sorry — because it hasn't 
occurred! And besides that it isn't goin' to occur! 
(becoming excited) When it does you can go aroun' 
bein' sorry all you like! Have you got the faintest 
idea that Ah'm goin' to let him take my telegram 
away with him and show it to that man! Do you 
suppose 

Martha, (coming forward a step from up R. c. 
near the door. Breaking in in a voice like a siren) 
No, sir ! You ain't a goin' ter do it — you can be right 
sure you ain't! 

First Operator, (r.) But what can I do, Miss? 

Caroline, (c. advancing) You can either send 
it or hand it back to me — that's what you can 
do! 



110 SECRET SERVICE 

Maetha. (calling out from up e. c.) Yes suh — 
that's the very best thing you can do ! An' the 
sooner you do it the quicker it'll be done — Ah kin 
tell you that right now ! 

First Opeeatok. But this man has come here 
with orders to 

Caroline. Xgoing defiantly to Eddingee and 
facing him) Well this man can go straight back 
and report to Mr. Arrelsford that he was unable to 
carry out his orders! (defiant attitude toward Ed- 
dingee l. c.) That's what he can do! 

Maetha. (from, up e. c. — now thoroughly roused 
and coming to a sense of her responsibility) Let 'im 
take it! Let 'im take it ef he wants to so pow'fle 
bad ! Just let the other one there give it to him — 
an' then see 'im try an' git out through this do' with 
it ! (standing solidly before door up e. c. with folded 
arms and ominously shaking heoA. Maetha talks 
and mmmbles on half to herself) Ah want to see 
him go by ! Ah'm just a' waitin' fur a sight o' him 
gittin' past dis do'! That's what ah'm waitin' fur! 
(goes on talking half to herself, quieting down grad- 
ually) Ah'd like to know what they s'pose it was 
Ah comeda round yere for anyway — these men with 
their orders an' fussin' an' 

Fiest Opeeatoe. (down e. when quiet is restored) 
Miss Mitford, if I was to give this dispatch back to 
you now it would get me into a heap o' trouble. 

Caeoline. (c. looking at him,) What kind of 
trouble ? 

Fiest Opeeatoe. (e.) Might be put in prison — 
might be shot ! 

Caeoline. You mean they might 

Fiest Opeeatoe. Sure to do one or the other! 

Caeoline. Just for givin' it back to me? 

Fiest Opeeatoe. That's all. 

Caeoline. (after looking silently at Fiest Opeea- 
toe a moment) Then you'll have to keep it! 



SECRET SERVICE 111 

First Operator, (after slight pause, sincerely) 
Thank you Miss Mitf orcl ! 

Caroline, (a sigh — reconciling herself to the 
situation) Very well — that's understood ! Yon don't 
give it back to me — an' yon can't give it to him — so 
nobody's disobeying any orders at all ! (going up 
and getting a chair from up c. and bringing it for- 
ward) And that's the way it stands ! {Ranging 
chair down to emphasize her words close to Eddinger 
and directly between him and the First Operator, 
then plumps herself down on the chair and facing r.., 
looks unconcerned) Ah reckon Ah can stay as long 
as he can! (half to herself) Ah haven't got much 
to do! 

First Operator. Bnt Miss Mitford- 

Caroline. Now there ain't any good o' talkin' ! 
If you've got any telegraphin' to do you better do it. 
Ah won't disturb you ! 

(Rapid steps heard in corridor outside up R. Enter 
Mr. Arrelsford door up p. coming in hurriedly, 
somewhat flushed and excited. He looks hastily 
about, and goes at once down r. c. toward First 
Operator.) 

Arrelsford. (r. c.) What's this! Didn't he get 
here in time? 

First Operator, (r.) Are you Mr. Arrelsford? 

Arrelsford. Yes. (sharp glance at Caroline) 
Are you holding back a dispatch? 

First Operator. Yes sir. 

Arrelsford. Why didn't he bring it? 

First Operator. Well, Miss Mitford — (hesitates, 
with a motion toward Caroline) 

Arrelsford. (comprehending) Oh! (crosses 
back of Caroline and Eddinger to l.) Eddinger! 
(Eddinger wheels lo l. facing him) Reporl back 
to Corpora] Rlatson. r IVII him to send a surgeon to 



112 SECRET SERVICE 



the prisoner who was wounded at General Varney's* 
house — if he isn't dead by this time ! (moves over ta 
L. as Eddinger goes up. Caroline turns and looks 
at Arrelsford on hearing cue " prisoner," rising af 
same time and pushing chair bach up c. Eddin- 
ger salutes and exits quickly up r. a, going back of 
Caroline. Arrelsford turns and starts toward 
First Operator) Let me see what that dispatch — 

(First Operator stands r. with Caroline's dispatch 
in his hand. Caroline steps quickly in front 
of Arrelsford. Arrelsfotd stops in some sur- 
prise at Caroline's sudden move.) 

Caroline, (facing Arrelsford) Ah expect yon 
think you're going to get my telegram an' read it? 

Arrelsford. (l. o.) I certainly intend to do so! 

Caroline, (c.) Well there's a great big disap- 
pointment loomin' up right in front of yon ! 

Arrelsford. (with suspicion) So! You've been 
trying to send out something you don't want us to 
see! 

Caroline. What if Ah have? 

Arrelsford. Just this ! You won't send it — and 
I'll see it! (about to pass Caroline) This is a 
case where — (Caroline steps in front of Ar- 
relsford again so that he has to stop) 

Caroline. This is a case where you ain't goin' to 
read my private writin' (stands looking at him 
with blazing eyes) 

Arrelsford. Lieutenant — I have an order here 
putting me in charge ! Bring that dispatch to me ! 

(First Operator about to move toward Arrelsford 
with the dispatch. Martha suddenly steps 
down in front of First Operator with ponder- 
ous tread and stands facing him.) 



SECRET SERVICE 113 

Martha, (r. c.) Mistah Lieutenant can stay juss 
about whar he is! (brief pause) 

Arrelsford. (l. to First Operator) Is that 
Miss Mitford's dispatch? 

First Operator, (r.) Yes sir! 

Arkelsford. Read it! (Caroline turns with 
a gasp of horror. Martha turns in slow anger. 
First Operator stands surprised for an instant) 
Read it out ! 

Caroline. You shan't do such a thing! You 
have no right to read a private telegram — (etc.) 

Martha, (speaking with Caroline) No sah! 
He ain't no business to read her letters — none what- 
somever! (etc.) 

Arrelsford. (angrily) Silence! (Caroline and 
Martha stop talking) If you interfere any further 
with the business of this office I'll have you both 
put under arrest ! to First Operator) Read that 
dispatch ! 

(Caroline gasps breathless at Arrelsford — then 
turns and buries her face on Martha's shoulder 
sobbing.) 

First Operator, (reads with some difficulty) 
" forgive me — Wilfred darling — please — forgive me 
and I will help you all I can." 

Arrelsford. That dispatch can't go! (turns 
and moves left a few steps) 

Caroline, (turning and facing Arrelsford. Al- 
most calm with anger) That dispatch can go ! An' 
that dispatch will go ! (Arrelsford turns and looks 
at Caroline from l. Martha moves up on right 
side ready to exit, standing well up c. and turning 
toward Akkelsfoud) Ah know someone whose orders 
even you are bound to respect and someone who'll 
come here with me an' see that yon do it! 

Arrelsford. (l.) I can show good and sufficient 
reasons for what I do ! 



114 SECRET SERVICE 

Caroline, (c.) Well you'll have to show good and 
sufficienter reasons than you've shown to me — Ah can 
tell you that, Mr. Arrelsford! 

Arrelsford. I give my reasons to my superiors, 
Miss Mitford ! 

Caroline. Then you'll have to go 'round givnr* 
'em' to everybody in Richmond, Mr. Arrelsford! 
(saying which Caroline makes a deep courtesy and 
turns and sweeps out through door up R. followed in 
the same spirit by Martha who turns at the door 
and also makes a profound courtesy to Arrelsford, 
going off haughtily) 

(First Operator sits down at table r. c. and begins 
to write. Arrelsford looks after Caroline an 
instant and then goes rapidly over to First 
Operator.) 

Arrelsford. Let me see that dispatch! 

First Operator, (slight doubt) You said you 
had an order, sir. 

Arrelsford. (impatiently) Yes — yes! (throws 
order down on telegraph table) Don't waste time! 

(Fiest Operator picks up order and looks closely 
at it for an instant.) 

First Operator. Department order sir? 

Arrelsford. (assenting shortly) Yes. 

First Operator. I suppose you're Mr. Arrels- 
ford all right? 

Arrelsford. Of course ! 

First Operator. We have to be pretty careful 
sir! (hands him Caroline's telegram and goes on 
writing. Arrelsford takes Caroline's telegram 
eagerly and reads it. Thinks an instant. Going 
toward l. to c. turns to First Operator) 

Arrelsford. (c.) Did she seem nervous or ex- 
cited when she handed this in? 



SECRET SERVICE 115 

First Operatoe. (at table e. c.) She certainly 
did! 

Arrelsford. Anxious not to have it seen? 

First Operatoe. Anxious ! I should say so ! She 
didn't want me to see it ! 

Aeeelsford. We've got a ease on here and she's 
mixed up in it ! 

First Operator. But that dispatch is to young 
Varney — the General's son! 

Aeeelsford. (shortly) So much the worse ! It's 
one of the ugliest affairs we ever had ! I had 
them put me on it and I've got it down pretty close ! 
(going across to l. c.) We'll end it right here in 
this office inside of thirty minutes! 

{Enter a Private at door up R. lie comes down at 
once to Arrelsford.) 

Arrelsford. (l. c. turning to Private) Well, 
what is it? 

Private, (l. c. r. of Arrelsford. Reporting) 
The lady's here sir! 

Arrelsford. Where is she? 

Private. Waiting down below — at the front en- 
trance. 

Arrelsford. Did she come alone? 

Private. Yes sir. 

Arrelsford. Show her the way up. (Private 
salutes and exits at door up R. Arrelsford comes 
c. to First Operator) I suppose you've got a 
revolver there? (Fipst Operator brings up revolver 
in matter-of-fact way from beneath his table and 
puts it on table, resuming business of writing, etc.) 
I'd rather handle this thing m}'self — but I might 
call on you. Be ready — that's all ! 

First Operator. Yes sir. 

Auriolsford. Obey any orders you get an' send out 
all dispatches unless I stop you. 



116 SECRET SERVICE 

First Opeeatoe. Very well sir. 

(Boor up E. is opening by the Peivate last on, and 
Edith is shown in. Aeeelsfoed meets her. 
The Peivate exits at door up e.) 

Edith, (c. pretty well up, in a low voice) I — 
I've accepted your invitation ! 

Aeeelsfoed. (up o. on Edith's l.) I'm greatly 
obliged Miss Varney ! As a matter of justice to me 
it was — (First Opeeatoe puts revolver bach on 
shelf under table l. c.) 

Edith, (interrupting) I didn't come to oblige 
yon! I'm here to see that no more — (pause) mur- 
ders are committed in order to satisfy yonr singular 
curiosity. 

Aeeelsfoed. (looks at her an instant. She at him) 

Aeeelsfoed. (after brief pause) Is the man 
dead? 

Edith, (looking at Aeeelsfoed steadily) The 
man is dead, (short pause) 

Aeeelsfoed. (going down l. c. a little turns to 
her. With cutting emphasis but low voice — so as not 
to be overheard) It's a curious thing, Miss Varney, 
that a Yankee prisoner more or less should make so 
much difference to you. They're dying down in 
Libby by the hundreds ! 

Edith. At least they're not killed in our houses — 
before our very eyes ! 

(Enter an Oedeely who is a Special Agent of the 
War Department at door up e. He comes 
quickly in and crosses to Aeeelsfoed l. c. then 
glances round toward Fiest Opeeatoe. Aeeels- 
foed moves down stage to speak to the Oedeely. 
Edith remains up c.) 



Aeeelsfoed. (l. low voice) Well, have you kept 
track of him? 



SECRET SERVICE 117 

Oedeely. (l. c. low voice) He's coming up 
Fourth Street, sir ! 

Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) Where has he been? 

Oedeely. (low voice) To his quarters on Cary 
'Street. We got in the next room and watched him 
through a transom. 

Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) What was he doing? 

Oedeely. (low voice) Working at some papers 
or documents. 

Aeeelsfoed. (loiv voice) Could you see them? 
€ould you see what it was? 

Oedeely. (low voice) Headings looked like 
orders from the War Department. 

Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) He's coming in here 
with forged orders ! 

Oedeely. (low voice) Yes sir. 

Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) His game is to get con- 
trol of these wires and then send out dispatches to the 
front that'll take away a battery from some vital 
point ! 

Oedeely. (low voice) Looks like it sir. 

Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) And that vital point is 
what the Yankees mean by Plan Three ! That's 
where they'll hit us. (glances round quickly consid- 
ering — goes up l. to above line of middle window — 
turns to Oedeely) Is there a guard in this build- 
ing? 

Oedeely. (going up near Aeeelsfoed on his 
E. low voice) Not inside — there's a guard in front 
and sentries around the barracks over in the square. 

Aeeelsfoed. (low voice) They could hear me 
from this window, couldn't they? 

Oedeely. (low voice) The guard could hear 
you. (a glance toward door e.) He must be nearly 
here sir, you'd better look out ! 

Edith, (up c. low voice) Where shall I go? 

Aeeelsfoed. (up l. low voice) Outside here — 
on the balcony — I'll be with you! 



118 SECRET SERVICE 

Edith, (low voice) But — if he comes to the 
window ! 

Arrelsford. (low voice) We'll step in at the 
next one. (to Orderly) See if the window of the 
Commissary-General's office is open. 

(Orderly crosses Akrelsford and steps quickly out 
of window up l. through middle window, and 
goes off along balcony to l. He returns at 
once re-entering through middle window.) 

Orderly. The next window's open sir. 

Arrelsford. That's all I want of yon — report 
back to Corporal Matson. Tell him to get the body 
of that prisoner out of the Varney house — he knows 
where it's to go ! 

Orderly. Very well sir ! (salutes, crosses and 
exits door up R.) 

Arrelsford. (to Edith) This way please! 
(conducts Edith out through middle window to the 
balcony up l. She exits to l. Arrelsford is closing 
Hi e window to follow when he sees a Messenger enter 
up r. and thereupon he stops just in the window 
keeping out of sight behind window frame) 

(Enter Messenger 1 at door up R. c. He takes his 
position up stage waiting for messages as before. 
Arrelsford eyes him sharply an instant — then 
comes forward a step.) 

Arrelsford. (from window up l.) Where did you 
come from? 

Messenger 1. (up c.) War Department sir. 
Arrelsford. Carrying dispatches?' 
Messenger 1. Yes sir. 
Arrelsford. You know me don't you? 
Messenger 1. I've seen you at the office sir. 



SECRET SERVICE 119 

Arrelsford. I'm here on Department business. 
All you've got to do is to keep quiet about it ! (Exit 
Arrelsford at middle window up l. which he closes 
after him and then disappears from view along 
balcony to l. Messenger 1 moves well over up l.) 

(Enter Messenger 2 at door up R. c. He takes his 
place at up l. with Messenger 1. First Oper- 
ator busy at table r. c. Moment's wait. Enter 
Captain Thorne at door up r. c. As he comes 
down he gives one quick glance about the room 
and to L. but almost instantly to front again, so 
that it would hardly be noticed. He wears cap 
and carries an order in his belt. Thorne goes 
down at once to l. of table r. c. and faces First 
Operator.) 

Thorne. (saluting) Lieutenant! (hands First 
Operator the order vjhich he carried in his belt.) 

(First Operator turns, sees Thorne, rises, saluting 
briefly, takes the order, opens and looks at it.) 

First Operator. Order from the Department. 
(moves R. a little to give Thorne chance to get to 
back of table) 

Thorne. (motionless, facing to R.) I believe so. 
(quickly glances at door up R. as Operator is look- 
ing at the order) 

First Operator. They want me to take a cipher 
dispatch ovali to the President's house. 

Thorne. (moving to take First Operator's 
place at table — pulls chair back a little and then 
tosses rap over on table R.) Yes — I'm ordered on 
here till you get back, (goes to place back of table 
m. o. and stands arranging things on the table) 

Fiest Operator, (at table w. looking front or 
to u. a little) That's an odd thing. They told mo 






120 SECRET SERVICE 

the President was down here with the Cabinet ! He 
must have just now gone home I reckon. 

Thorne. (standing at table R. c. and arranging 1 
papers, etc. on if) Looks like it. — If he isn't there 
you'd better wait, (looking through a bunch of dis- 
patches as he speaks above) 

First Operator, (gets his cap from fable r. pufs 
it on. At table R.) Yes — I'll wait! (pause) 
You'll have to look out for Allison's wires, Cap'n.. 
He was called ovah to the Department. 

(Thorne stops and looks front an instant on men- 
tion of Allison.) 

Thorne. (easy manner again) Ah ha — Allison I 

First Operator. Yes. 

Thorne. Be gone long? (Thorne business of 
throwing used sheets in waste-basket and fixing a 
couple of large envelopes ready for quick use) 

First Operator. Well, you know how it is — 
they generally whip around quite a while before they 
make up their minds what they want to do. I don't 
expect they'll trouble you much ! It's as quiet as a 
church down the river, (starting up toward door 

up R.) 

Thorne. (seeing a cigar on the table near instru- 
ment) See here — wait a minute — you'd better not 
walk out and leave a — no matter ! (First Operator 
stops and turns back to Thorne — comes c. a little) 
It's none of my business, (tapping with the end of 
a long envelope on table where the cigar is) Still, if 
you want some good advice, that's a dangerous thing 
to do! 

First Operator, (coming down) What is it 
Cap'n? 

Thorne. Leave a cigar lying around this office 
like that ! (picks it up with L. hand and lights 
a match with R.) Somebody might walk in here 






SECRET SERVICE 121 

any minute and take it away! (about to light 
cigar) I can't watch your cigars all day (lighting 
cigar) 

First Operator, (laughing) Oh! Help your- 
self Cap'n ! 

Thorne. (suddenly snatching cigar out of mouth 
with l. hand and looking at it) What's the matter 
with it? Oh well — I'll take a chance, (puts it in 
his mouth and resumes lighting) 

(First Operator hesitates a moment, then goes 
down near Thorne on his l. ? l. of table R. c.) 

First Operator, (a little above Thorne, confi- 
dentially) Cap'n, if there's any trouble around here 
you'll find a revolver under there, (indicating shelf 
under table. Thorne stops lighting cigar an instant. 
Eyes motionless front. Match blazes up) 

Thorne. (at once resuming nonchalance — finish- 
ing lighting cigar) What about that? What makes 
you think — (pulling in to light cigar) there's going 
to be trouble? 

First Operator. Oh well, there might be! 

Thorne. (tossing match away) Been having a 
dream ? 

First Operator. Oh no — but you never can 
tell ! (starts up R. toward door) 

Thorne. (cigar in mouth. Going at papers 
again) That's right ! You never can tell. But see 
here — hold on a minute! (reaching down and get- 
ting revolver from shelf and tossing it on table near 
l. end) If you never can tell you'd better take that 
along with you. I've got one of my own. (rather 
soito voce) I can tell ! 

(Click of instrument, A. THORNE answers on in- 
strument A. at R. end of table r. c. and slides 
into chair.) 



122 SECRET SERVICE 

First Operator. Well, if you've got one here, 
I might as well, {takes revolver) Look out for 
yourself, Cap'n! {goes up. Instrument a. begins 
clicking of a message. Thorne sits at table r. c. 
listening and ready to take down what comes) 

Thorne. {listening to instrument at r.) Same to 
you old man — and many happy returns of the day! 
{Exit First Operator door up r. c. Thorne 
writes message, briefly addresses long envelope. In- 
strument a. stops receiving as Thorne addresses 
envelope. Thorne 0. K.'s dispatch) Ready here! 
Messenger 1 down to Thorne and salutes l. of 
table R. c.) Quartermaster-General, {handing dis- 
patch to Messenger) 

Messenger 1. Not at his office, sir! 

Thorne. Find him ! He's got to have it ! 

Messenger 1. Very well sir! {salutes. Exits 
quickly up R.) 

(Thorne turns slowly l. looking to see if there is a 
Messenger there. Sees there is one without 
looking entirely around. A second's wait. In- 
strument c. upper end of table r. begins to click. 
Thorne quickly rises and going to instrument 
c. answers call — on instrument — drops into chair 
up R. and writes message — puts it in envelope. 
0. K.'s call) 

Thorne. Ready here! (Messenger 2 goes 
quickly across to Thorne l. of table r. and salutes) 
Secretary of the Treasury — marked private. Take it 
to his house, {begins to read a dispatch he twitched 
off from a file) 

Messenger 2. He's down yere at the cabinet, sir. 

Thorne. Take it to his house and wait till he 
comes ! 

(Messenger 2 salutes and exits door up R. c. closing 
the door after him. On the slam of door after 



SECRET SERVICE 123 



Messexger 2 Thorne crushes dispatch in r. 
hand and throws it to floor — and wheels front 
— his eyes on the instrument down R. c. All 
one quick movement. Then he rises and with 
<cat-like swiftness springs to the door up R. 
and listens — opens the door a little and looks 
off. Closes it quickly, turning swiftly to c. 
and opens the door up c. glancing in. Then 
goes to the window up L. c. — the nearest. 
Pushes it open a Utile and looks off through 
ivindow and begins at same time to urtbuckle 
oelt and unbutton coat. Turns and moves 
down toward the telegraph table R. c. at same 
time throwing belt over to R. above R. table, 
and taking off coat. Glances back up L. — looks 
to see that a document is in breast pocket of 
coat — letting audience see that it is there — and 
lays coat over back of chair above table R. c. with 
document in sight so that he can get it without 
delay. Takes revolver from hip pocket and 
quickly but quietly lays it on the table R. c. just 
to right of the instrument and then seizes key of 
instrument a. and gives a certain call; 

( — ..) Waits. A glance rapidly to 

left. He is standing at table — cigar in mouth. 

Makes the call again: ( — ) Waits 

again. Gives the call third time : ( — 

. . ) Goes to lower end of table R. and half 
■sits on it, folding arms, eyes on instrument, 
chewing cigar, with a glance or two up stage, but 
his eyes come quickly back to the instrument. 
Slides off table — takes cigar out of his mouth 
with l. hand and gives the call again with right : 

( — ) putting cigar in mouth again 

and turning and walking up stage looking 
about. Soon he carelessly throws papers which 
he took from r. pocket — off up stage. Just as 
he throws papers — facing to L. — the call is 



124 



SECRET SERVICE 



answered: ( — ) Thoene is back 

at the table E. c. in an instant and telegraph- 
ing rapidly — cigar in mouth. When he has 
sent for about five seconds steps are heard 
in corridor outside up E. Thoene quickly strikes 
a match — ivhich is close at hand to e. of instru- 
ment—and sinks into the chair, appearing to be 
lazily lighting his cigar as a Messengee comes 
in at door up e. c. Messengee 4 enters as soon 
as he hears match strike at door up E. c. — He 
goes down at once to Thoene with dispatch. 
Salutes and extends it toward Thoene— on 
Thoene's left.) 

Messengee 4. Secretary of War, Cap'n ! Wants 
to go out right now! (Thoene tosses away match, 
takes dispatch and opens it. Messengee 4 salutes, 
turns and starts up toward door) 

Thoene. Here! Here! What's all this ! (look- 
ing at the dispatch. Messengee 4 returns to 
Thoene — salutes) Is that the Secretary's signa- 
ture? 

Messengee 4. Yes sir — I saw him sign it. 

(Thoene looks closely at the signature. Turns it so 
as to get gas light. Turns and looks sharply at 
the Messengee. Back to dispatch again. Puts 
it on table and writes an 0. K. on it.) 



Thoene. (writing) Um hm — saw him sign it 
did yon? 

Messengee 4. Yes sir. 

Thoene. (writing) Got to be a little careful to- 
night! (holding dispatch up from table in l. hand, 
so that audience can see it is the same one — with the 
Secretary's signature) 

Messengee 4. I can swear to that one, sir. 
(salutes — turns and goes up and exits at door up E.) 



SECRET SERVICE 125 

(Thorne listens — faced front for exit of Messenger. 
Dispatch in l. hand. Instantly on slam of door 
up l c. he puts cigar down at end of table, rises, 
laying the dispatch down flat on table. Quickly 
folds and very dexterously and rapidly cuts off 
the lower part of the paper which has the signa- 
ture of the Secretary of War upon it, holds it 
between his teeth and tears the rest of the order 
in pieces, ivhich he is on the point of throwing 
into waste-basket at l. of table when he stops 
and changes his mind, stuffing the torn-up 
dispatch into his R. hand trousers pocket. Picks 
up coat from back of chair and takes the 
■document out of inside breast pocket. Opens 
it out on table and quickly pastes to it the piece 
of the real order bearing the signature, wipes 
quickly with handkerchief, puts handkerchief 
back into pocket, picks up cigar ivhich he laid 
down on table and puts it in mouth, at same 
time sitting and at once beginning to tele- 
graph rapidly on instrument A. rapid click of 
the instrument. Thorne intent, yet vigilant. 
During business of Thorne pasting dispatch, 
AtvRelsford appears outside windows up l. at 
side of columns. He motions off toward L. 
Edith comes into view there also. Arrelseord 
points toward Thorne, calling her attention to 
what he is doing. They stand at the window 
watching Thorne — the strong moonlight bring- 
ing them out sharply. After a few seconds Ar- 
relseord accidentally makes a slight noise with 
latch of window. Instantly on this faint click of 
latch Thorne stops telegraphing and sits abso- 
lutely motionless — his eyes front. — Arrelsford 
and Edith exit quickly and noiselessly on 
balcony to L. Dead silence. After a motion- 
less pause, Tiiorne's hand very quietly glides 
from the telegraph instrument to the revolver— 



126 SECRET SERVICE 

which is just to right of it, and raising L. hand 
to cigar to tivist it or some movement to cover 
bus. he slides revolver off table at e. and gets 
it down on his e. side. He then begins to push 
things about on the table with L. hand as if look- 
ing for something and soon rises as if not able 
to find it, and looking still more carefully. 
Thoene keeps revolver close against e. side — 
looks about on table, glances over to table on R. 
as if looking for what he wanted there, puts 
cigar down on table before him — after about to 
do so once and taking a final puff — and steps 
over to table at e. still looking for something, 
and keeping revolver out of sight of anyone at 
window up L. As he looks he raises l. hand 
carelessly to the cock of the gas bracket and 
instantly shuts off light. Stage dark. Instantly 
on lights off, Thoene drops on one knee behind 
— that is to E. of table e. c. — facing toward L. 
Revolver covering up L. Light from windows 
up l. c. gauged to strike across to Thoene at 
table with revolver. After holding it a short 
time, he begins slowly to edge up stage — holding 
to chair-backs at E. He then edges cautiously 
up on e. until within reach of the door, when he 
suddenly slides the heavy bolt, thus locking the 
doors on the inside. From doors up E. Thoene 
glides with a dash — throwing aside the chair 
in the way — at the door of closet up c. which 
opens down stage and hinges on its L. side. 
With motion of reaching it he has it open — if 
not already open — and pushing it along before 
him as he moves left toward window. When 
moving slowly behind this door with is eyes 
and revolver on window the telegraph instru- 
ment down E. c. suddenly gives two or three 
sharp clicks. Thoene makes an instantaneous 
turn front covering the instrument with revolver. 



j 



SECRET SERVICE 127 

Sees what it was. Turns L. again. Just as he 
gets door nearly wide open against wall at bade 
he dashes at windows up l. c. and bangs them 
open with L. hand covering all outside with 
revolver in his R. In an instant sees that no 
one is there. Straightens up — looking. Quick 
spring past first window stopping close behind 
the upright between first and second windows, 
and at same time banging these windows open 
and covering with revolver. Sees no one. Looks 
this way and that. Makes quick dash outside 
and covers over balustrade — as if someone might 
be below. In again quick. Looks about with 
one or iivo quick glances. Concludes he must 
have been mistaken, and starts down toward 
table e. c. — stops after going two or three steps 
and looks back. Turns and goes rapidly down 
to table. Picks up cigar with l. hand. Puts 
revolver at R. end of table with R. hand, and 
gets a match with that hand. Stands an instant 
looking l. Strikes match and is about to relight 
cigar. Pause — eyes front. Match burning. 
Listening. Looks l. — lights cigar — as he is 
lighting cigar thinks of gas being out, and steps 
to right, turns it on and lights it. Lights full 
on. Thorne turns quickly, looking left as 
lights on. Then steps at once — after glancing 
quickly about room — to telegraph table, puts 
down cigar near upper R. corner of table with l. 
hand and begins to telegraph with l. hand, 
facing front. Suddenly sharp report of revolver 
outside through lower window, up L. with crash 
of glass and on it Arrelsford springs on at 
middle window L. with revolver in his hand. 
Thorne does not move on shot except quick 
recoil from instrument, leaning back a little, 
expression of pain an instant. His L. hand — ■ 
with which he was telegraphing — is covered with 



128 SECRET SERVICE 

blood. He stands motionless an instant. Eyes 
then down toward his own revolver. Slight 
pause. He makes a sudden plunge for it getting 
it in his R. hand. At same instant quick turn 
on Arrelsford but before he can raise the 
weapon Arrelsford covers him with revolver 
and Thoriste stops where he is, holding position.) 

Arrelsford. (l. o. covering Thorke) Drop it! 
(pause) Drop that gun or you're a dead man ! Drop 
it I say! (a moment's pause. Thorne gradually 
recovers to erect position again, looking easily front, 
and puts revolver on the table, picking up cigar with 
same hand and putting it casually into his mouth as 
if he thought he'd have a smoke after all, instead of 
killing a man. He then gets handkerchief out of 
pocket with r. hand and gets hold of a corner of it 
not using his l. Arrelsford advances a step or two, 
lowering revolver, but holding it ready) Do you 
know why I didn't kill you like a dog just now? 

Thorne. (back of table r. c. as he tivists hand- 
kerchief around his wounded hand) Because you're 
such a damn bad shot. 

Arrelsford. Maybe you'll change your mind 
about that ! 

Thorne. (arranging handkerchief to cover his 
wounded hand — leaving fingers free. Speaks easily 
and pleasantly) Well I hope so I'm sure. It isn't 
pleasant to be riddled up this way you know ! 

Arrelsford. Next time you'll be riddled some- 
where else besides the hand! There's only one rea- 
son why you're not lying there now with a bullet 
through your head! 

Thorne. Only one, eh? 

Arrelsford. Only one ! 

Thorne. (still fixing hand and sleeve) Do I 
hear it? 

Arrelsford. Simply because I gave my word of 



SECRET SERVICE 129 

honor to someone outside there that I wouldn't kill 
you now! 

(Thorne on hearing " Someone outside there " turns 
and looks at Arrelsford with interest.) 

Thorne. (taking cigar out of mouth and holding 
it in r. hand as he moves toward Arrelsford) Ah! 
Then it isn't a litle tete-a-tete between ourselves ! 
You have someone with you! (stopping near c. 
coolly facing Arrelsford) 

Arrelsford. (sarcastically) I have someone with 
me Captain Thorne ! Someone who takes quite an 
interest in what you're doing to-night ! 

Thorne. (puts cigar in mouth) Quite an. inter- 
est, eh! That's kind I'm sure, (takes cigar out of 
mouth facing front) Is the gentleman going to stay 
out there all alone on the cold balcony, or shall I 
have the pleasure — (enter Edith from balcony up 
L. through the upper window, where she stands sup- 
porting herself by the sides. She is looking toward 
R. as if intending to go, but not able for a moment, 
to move. Avoids looking at Thorne) — of inviting 
him in here and having a charming little three- 
handed — (glancing up toward window he sees Edith 
and stops motionless. Looks at her quietly a moment 
— then turns slowly and looks at Arrelsford — who 
lias a slight smile on his lips; then turns front and 
holds position motionless) 

Edith, (does not speak until after Thorne looks 
front. Low voice) I'll go, Mr. Arrelsford! 

Arrelsford. Not yet, Miss Varney! 

Edith, (coming blindly into the room a few steps 
as if to get across to the door up R.) I don't wish 
to stay — any longer! 

Arrelsford. (down l. c.) One moment please! 
We need you ! 

(Edith stops.) 



130 SECRET SERVICE 

Edith, (up c.) For what? 

Arrelsford. A witness. 

Edith. You can send for me. I'll be at home. 
(about to start toward door) 

Aekelsfokd. (sharply) Pll have to detain yon 
till I turn him over to the guard — it won't take a 
moment ! (steps to the middle window, still keeping 
an eye on Thokne, and calls off in loud voice) 
Corporal o' the guard ! Corporal o' the guard ! Send 
up the guard will you ! 

(Edith shrinks back up c. not knowing what to do.) 

Voice, (outside up l. in distance — as if down be- 
low in the street. Be sure to get distance for this 
or it will be ruined) What's the matter up there! 
Who's calling the guard! 

Aekelsfokd. (at window) Up here! Depart- 
ment Telegraph ! Send 'em up quick ! 

Voices, (outside distant as before) Corporal of 
the Guard Post Four ! (repeated more distant) 
Corporal of the Guard Post Four ! (repeated again 
almost inaudible) Corporal of the Guard Post Four ! 
Fall in the guard ! Fall in ! (these orders gruff — in- 
distinct — distant. Give effect of quick gruff shouts 
of orders barely audibly) 

Edith, (up c. turning suddenly upon Aekels- 
fokd) I'm not going to stay ! I don't wish to be a 
witness ! 

Arrelsford. (l. c. after an instant's look at 
Edith — suspecting the reason for her refusal) 
Whatever your feelings may be Miss Varney, we 
can't permit you to refuse ! 

Edith, (with determination) I do refuse! If 
you won't take me down to the street I'll find the 
way out myself! (stops as she is turning to go, on 
hearing the Guard outside) 

(Sound of Guard running through lower corridors. 



SECRET SERVICE 131 

tramp of men coming up stairway and along 
hallways outside up r. Thorne holds position 
looking steadily front, cigar in R. hand.) 

Arrelsford. (loud voice to stop Edith) Too 
late ! The guard is here ! (steps down l. c. with 
revolver, his eyes on Thorne) 

(Edith stands an instant and then as the Guard 
is heurd nearer in the corridor up R. she moves 
up to window up l. and remains there until 
sound of Guard breaking in the door. Then 
she makes her exit of to l. on balcony. Disap- 
pearing so as to attract no attention.) 

Arrelsford. (shouting across to Thorne) I've 
got you about where I want you at last! (Thorne 
motionless. Sound of hurried tread of men outside 
up R. as if coming on double quick toward the door, 
on bare floor of corridor) You thought you was al- 
mighty smart — but you'll find we can match your 
tricks every time! 

(Sound of the Guard coming suddenly ceases close 
outside the door up r.) 

Sergeant of the Guard, (close outside door up 
R. c.) What's the matter here! Let us in! 

Thorne. (loud, incisive voice. Still facing front) 
Break down the door Sergeant ! Break it down ! 
(as he calls begins to back up stage toward up R. c.) 

(Officers and men outside at once begin to smash in 
the door with the butts of their muskets.) 

Arrelsfoed. (l. c. surprised) What are you 
saying about it ! 

Thorne. (up r. c.) You want 'im in lioro, don't 
you! 



132 SECRET SERVICE 

(Arrelsford moves up a little as Thorne does, and 
covers him with revolver.) 

Arrelsford. (l. c. through noise of breaking 
door) Stand where you are ! 

(Thorne has bached up r. c. until nearly between 
Arrelsford and the door, so that the latter 
cannot fire on him without hitting others. But 
he must stand a trifle to right of line the men 
will take in rushing across to Arrelsford. ) 

Thorne. {up r. c. facing Arrelsford) Smash 
in the door! What are yon waiting for! Smash it 
in Sergeant! (keeps up this call till door breaks 
doivn and men rush in — which must be at once. — 
Door is quickly battered in and Sergeant and men 
rush on. Thorne, continuing without break from 
last speech, above all the noise, pointing to Arrels- 
ford with l. hand) Arrest that man! (Sergeant 
of the Guard and six men spring forward past 
Thorne and seize Arrelsford before he can recover 
from his astonishment, throwing him nearly down 
in the first struggle, but pulling him to his feet and 
holding him fast. Two men throwing their guns 
to two others — seize Thorne. An instant motionless 
on this. Arrelsford held fast down l. Thorne 
pointing to him up R. c. As soon as quiet Thorne 
moves down c.) He's got in here with a revolver and 
he's playing Hell with it ! 

Arrelsford. (l. c.) Sergeant — my orders are — 
Thorne. (at c. facing Arrelsford) Damn your 
orders ! Yon haven't got orders to shoot everybody 
yon see in this office ! (Arrelsford makes a sudden 
effort to break loose) Get his gun away — he'll hurt 
himself! (turns R. at once and goes to table r. c. 
putting his coat in better position on back of chair, 
and then getting things in shape on the table. At 



SECRET SERVICE 133 

same time putting cigar back in mouth and smoking. 
Sergeant and men quick bus. of twisting revolver 
out of Arrelsford's hands) 

Arrelsford. (l. c. continuing to struggle and 
protest) Listen to me! Arrest him! He's sending 
out a false 

Sergeant of the Guard, (l. c.) Now that'll 
do ! (silencing Arrelsford roughly by hand across 
his mouth. — To Thorne) What's it all about, 
Cap'n? 

Thorne. (at table arranging things) All about! 
I haA T en't got the slightest — (sudden snatch of cigar 
out of mouth with r. hand and then to Sergeant 
as if remembering something) He says he came out 
of some office ! Sending out dispatches here he began 
letting off his gun at me. (go right on half sotto 
voce as he again turns arranging things on table) 
Crazy lunatic! 

Arrelsford. (struggling to speak. On cue " gun 
at me ") It's a lie ! Let me speak — I'm from the — 

Sergeant of the Guard, (quietly to avoid laugh) 
Here ! That'll do now ! (silencing Arrelsford. 
To Thorne) What shall we do with him? 

Thorne. (tossing things into place on table with 
one hand) I don't care a damn — get him out o' 
here — that's all I want! 

Sergeant of the Guard. Much hurt, Cap'n? 

Thorne. (carelessly) Oh no. Did up one hand 
a little — I can get along with the other all right. 
(sits at table and begins telegraphing) 

Arrelsford. (struggling desperately) Stop him I 
He's sending a — wait! Ask Miss Varney! She saw 
him! Ask her! Ask Miss Varney! (speaks until 
stopped. Wildly — losing all control of himself) 

Sergeant of the Guard, (breaking in on 
AbrelsfOBd) Here! Fall in there. We'll get him 
out. (the guard quickly falls in behind Arrelsford, 
who is still struggling) Forward 



134 SECRET SERVICE 

(Enter quickly an Officer striding in to c.) 

Officer, (loud voice — above the noise) Halt! 
The General! (Officer remains up stage standing 
l. of door r.) 

Sergeant of the Guard, (to men quickly) Halt! 
(men on motion from Sergeant stand back, forming 
a double rank behind Arrelsford. Two men hold- 
ing him in front rank. All facing to c. Sergeant 
up L. c.) 

(Enter Major General Harrison Randolph 
striding in at door up R. c. Caroline comes to 
door after the General, and stands just within, 
up r. c. Arrelsford has been so astonished and 
indignant at his treatment that he can't find his 
voice at first. — Officers salute as General 
Randolph comes in. Thorne goes on working 
instrument at table down R. c. cigar between 
his teeth. He has the dispatch with signature 
. pasted on it spread on table before him.) 

General Randolph, (comes down c. and stops) 
What's all this about refusing to send Miss Mitford's 
telegram ! Is it some of your work Arrelsford ? 

Arrelsford. (breathless, violent, excited) Gen- 
eral! They've arrested me A conspiracy! A — 
(sees Thorne working at telegraph instrument) 
Stop that man — for God's sake stop him before it's 
too late! 

(Caroline edging gradually up r. c. quietly slips 
out at door up R. c. Make this exit unnoticed if 
possible.) 

General Randolph, (c.) Stop him! What 
do you mean? 
Thorne. (r. c. back at table. Rising quickly so 



SECRET SERVICE 135 

as to speak on cue, with salute) He means me sir! 
He's got an idea some dispatch I'm sending out is 
a trick of the Yankees ! 

Arrelsford. {excitedly) it's a conspiracy. He's 
on impostor — a — a 

Thorne. Why the man must have gone crazy 
General! (Thorne stands facing l. motionless) 

Arrelsford. I came here on a case for 

General Randolph, (sharply) Wait! I'll get 
at this! (to Sergeant without turning to him) 
What- was he doing? 

Sergeant of the Guaed. (up l. c. with salute) 
He was firing on the Cap'n sir. 

Arrelsfokd. He was sending out a false order to 
weaken our lines at Cemetery Hill and I — ah — (sud- 
denly recollecting) Miss Varney ! (looking ex- 
citedly about) She was here — she saw it all ! 

General Randolph, (gruffly) Miss Varney ! 

Aeeelsfoed. Yes sir! 

General Randolph. The General's daughter? 

Arrelsford. (nodding affirmatively with excited 
eagerness) Yes sir! 

General Randolph. What was she doing here? 

Arrelsford. She came to see for herself whether 
he was guilty or not ! 

General Randolph. Is this some personal mat- 
ter of yours? 

Arrelsford. He was a visitor at their house — I 
wanted her to know ! 

General Randolph. Where is she now? Where 
is Miss Varney? 

Arrelsford. (looking about excitedly) She must 
be out there on the balcony ! Send for her ! 

General Randolph. Sergeant ! ( S er< i i:a \t 
steps down l. of General Randolph and salutes) 
Step out there on the balcony. Present my compli- 
ments to Miss Varney and ask her to come in ! 



136 - SECRET SERVICE 



(Sargent salutes and steps quickly out through mid- 
dle window on the balcony up l. Walks off at 
L. Re-appears walking hack as far as balcony 
goes. Turns and re-enters room, coming down 
L. c. and saluting.) 

Sebgeant of the Guaed. (saluting) No one 
there sir! 

(Thoene turns and begins to send dispatch, picking 

up the forged order with L. hand as if sending 

from that copy and quickly opening instrument 

a. and telegraphing with B. all on nearly same 

• motion.) 

Abeelsfobd. She must be there ! She's in the 
next office! The other window. Tell him to — (sees 
Thoene working at instrument a.) Ah! (almost 
screaming) Stop him ! He's sending it now! 

General Randolph, (to Thoene) One moment 
Cap'n! (Thorne stops. Salutes. Drops dispatch 
in l. hand to table. Pause for an instant — all hold- 
ing their positions. General Randolph after above 
pause — to Arrelsford) What have you got to do 
with this ? 

Arrelsford. It's a Department Case ! They as- 
signed it to me ! 

General Randolph. What's a Department Case ? 

Arrelsford. The whole plot — to send the order — 
it's the Yankee Secret Service ! His brother brought 
in the signal to-night! 

(General Randolph looks sharply at Arrelsford.) 

Thorne. (very quiet, matter-of-fact) This ought 
to go out sir — it's very important. 

General Randolph. Go ahead with it I 






SECRET SERVICE 137 

(Thorne salutes and quickly turns to instrument 
a. dropping dispatch on table and begins send- 
ing rapidly as he stands before the table, glanc- 
ing at the dispatch as he does so as if sending 
from it.) 

Arrelsford. (seeing what is going on) No no ! 
It's a 

General Randolph. Silence ! 

Arkelsford. (excitedly) Do you know what he's 
telling them ! 

General Randolph. No ! Do yon ? 

Arrelsford. Yes ! If you'll 

General Randolph. (to Thorne) Wait! 
(Thorne stops telegraphing , coming at once to 
salute, military position a step bade from table facing 
front) Where's that dispatch? (Thorne goes to 
General Randolph and hands him the dispatch. 
Then bach a step. General Randolph takes the 
dispatch. To Arrelsford) What was it? What 
has he been telling them? (looks at dispatch in his 
hand) 

Arrelsford. (excitedly) He began to give an 
order to withdraw Marston's Division from its pres- 
ent position ! 

General Randolph. That is perfectly correct. 

Arrelsford. Yes — by that dispatch — but that 
dispatch is a forgery ! (Thorne with a look of sur- 
prise turns sharply toward Arrelsford) It's an 
order to withdraw a whole division from a vital 
point! A false order! He wrote it himself! 
(Thorne stands as if astounded) 

General Randolph. Why should he write it? If 
he wanted to send out a false order he could 
do it without setting it down on paper, couldn't 
he? 

Arrelsford. Yes — but if any of the operators 
came back they'd catch him doing it ! With that 



138 SECRET SERVICE 

order and the Secretary's signature he could go right 
on ! He could even order one of them to send it ! 

Geneeal Randolph. How did he get the Secre- 
tary's signature? 

Aeeelsfobd. He tore it off from a genuine dis- 
patch ! Why General — look at that dispatch in your 
hand! The Secretary's signature is pasted on! I 
saw him do it ! 

Thoene. (e. c.) Why — they often come that 
way! (turns away nonchalantly toward front) 

Aeeelsfobd. (l. c.) He's a liar! They never 
do! 

(Thobne turns indignantly on "liar" and the two 
men glare at each other a moment.) 

Thoene. (e. c. recovering himself, after bus. 
and pause) General, if you have any doubts about 
that dispatch send it back to the War Office and 
have it verified! 

(Aeeelsfobd is so thundertsruck that he starts back 
a little unable to speak. Stands with his eyes 
riveted to Thobne until cue of telegraph click 
below.) 

Genebal Randolph, (c. slowly, his eyes on 
Tpioene) Quite a good idea! (brief pause) Ser- 
geant! (holding out the dispatch. Seegeant of 
the Guaed salutes and waits for orders) Take this 
dispatch over to the Secretary's office and — (sudden 
loud click of telegraph instrument A. on table e. c. 
Genebal Randolph stops — listening. To Thoene) 
What's that? 

(Aeeelsfobd looking at the instrument. Thoene 
stands motionless, excepting thai he took his eyes 
off Aeeelsfobd and looked front listening on 
click of instrument.) 



SECRET SERVICE 139 

Thoene. (after slight wait — motionless) Adju- 
tant-General Chesney. 

Geneeal Randolph. From the front ? 

Thoene. Yes sir. 

General Randolph. What does he say? 

(Thoene turns and steps to table. Stands eyes front, 
listening to instrument.) 

Thoene. His compliments sir — (Pause — 'Con- 
tinued click of instrument) He asks — (Pause. — 
Continued click of instrument) for the rest — (Pause 
— continued click of instrument) of that dispatch — 
(Pause — continued click of instrument. Then stops) 
It's of vital importance. (Thoene stands motion- 
less) 

Geneeal Randolph, (after very slight pause 
abruptly turns and hands the dispatch back to 
Thoene) Let him have it! (Thoene hurried 
salute, takes dispatch — sits at table and begins 
sending) . 

Aeeelsfoed. General — if yon 

Geneeal Bandolph. (sharply to Aeeelsfoed) 
That's enough! We'll have yon examined at head- 
quarters ! (hurried steps in corridor outside up e. 
and enter quickly at door up E. the Fiest Opeeatoe. 
lie is breathless and excited) 

Aeeelsfoed. (catching sight of Fiest Opeea- 
toe as he comes in) Ah! Thank God! There's a 
witness ! He was sent away on a forged order ! Ask 
him! Ask him! (pause. Fiest Opeeatoe stand- 
ing up stage e. c. looking at others surprised. 
Thoene who goes on with bus. at instrument) 

Geneeal Randolph, (after instant's pause dur- 
ing which click of instrument is heard) Wait a 
moment, Cap'n ! 

(Thoene stops telegraphing, sits motionless, hand 



140 SECRET SERVICE 

on the key. An instant of dead silence. Gen- 
eeal Randolph moves up c. to speak to First 
Opekatok.) 

General Randolph, (up c. to First Operator. 
Gruffly) Where did you come from? 

First Operator, (up R. c. Not understanding 
exactly what is going on. Salutes) There was 
some mistake sir ! 

(Arrelsfoed gives gasp of triumph quick on cue. 
Brief pause of dead silence.) 

General Randolph. Mistake eh? Who made 
it? 

First Operator. I got an order to go to the 
President's house, and when I got there the Presi- 
dent ! 

Thorne. (rising at telegraph table, on cue 
f< President's house ") This delay will be disastrous 
sir ! Permit me to go on — if there's any mistake we 
can rectify it afterwards ! (turns to instrument and 
begins sending as he stands before it) 

Arrelsford. (half suppressed cry of remon- 
strance) No ! 

General Randolph, (who has not given heed to 
Thorne's speech — to First Operator) Where did 
yon get the order? 

Arrelsford. He's at it again sir ! 

General Randolph. (suddenly sees what 
Thorne is doing) Halt there ! (Thorne stops tele- 
graphing) What are you doing! I ordered you to 
wait! 

Thorne. (turns l. to General Randolph) I was 
sent here to attend to the business of this office and 
that business is going on! (turning again as if to 
telegraph) 

General Randolph, (coming down c. a step. 



SECRET SERVICE 141 

His temper rising) It's not going on sir, until I'm 
ready for it ! 

Thorne. (turning back to the General. Loud 
voice, angrily) My orders come from the War 
Department — not from yon! This dispatch came in 
half an hour ago — they're calling for it — and it's my 
business to send it out! (turning at end of speech 
and seizing the hey endeavors to rush off the dispatch) 

General Randolph. Halt! (Thorne goes on 
telegraphing. To Sergeant of the Guard) Ser- 
geant! (Sergeant salutes) Hold that machine 
there ! (pointing at telegraph instrument. Sergeant 
or the Guard and two men spring quickly across to 
r. Sergeant rushes against Thorne with arm across 
his breast forcing him over to r. against chair and 
table on right — chair a little away from table to em- 
phasize with crash as Thorne is flung against it — 
and holds him there. The two men cross bayonets 
over instrument and stand motionless. All done 
quickly, business-like and with as little disturbance 
as possible. One man back of table R. c. another l. 
of table r. c. General Randolph strides down c. 
and speaks across to Thorne) I'll have you court- 
martialed for this ! 

Thorne. (breaking loose from Sergeant and 
coming down R.) You'll answer yourself sir, for 
delaying a dispatch of vital importance ! 

General Randolph, (sharply) Do you mean 
that ! 

Thorne. I mean that ! And I demand that you 
let me proceed with the business of this office ! 

General Randolph. By what authority do you 
send that dispatch? 

Thorne. I refer you to the Department ! 

General Randolph. Show me your order for 
taking charge of this office ! 

Thorne. I refer you to the Department ! (stands 
motionless facing across to l.) 



142 SECRET SERVICE 

(Edith appears at upper window up l. coming on 
from balcony left, and moves a little into room 
up l. c. Sergeant of the Guard remains at 
e. above table when Thorne broke away from 
him.) 

General Randolph. By God then HI go to the 
Department ! {swings round and striding up c. a 
little way) Sergeant! (Sergeant of the Guard 
salutes) Leave your men on guard there and go 
over to the War Office — my compliments to the Sec- 
retary and will he be so good as to ■ 

Arrelsford. {suddenly breaking out on seeing 
Edith up l.) Ah! General! {pointing to Edith) 
Another witness ! Miss Yarney ! She was here ! 
She saw it all ! 

(Thorne on Arrelsford's mention of another wit- 
ness glances quickly up l. toward Edith, and at 
once turns front and stands motionless, waiting. 
General Randolph turns left and sees Edith.) 

General Randolph, {up c. on r. bluffly touch- 
ing hat) Miss Varney! (Edith comes forward a 
little l. of c.) Do you know anything about this? 

Edith, {speaks in low voice) About what, sir? 

General Randolph. Mr. Arrelsford here claims 
that Captain Thorne is acting without authority in 
this office and that you can testify to that effect. 

Edith, {very quietly, in low voice) Mr. Arrels- 
ford is mistaken! He has the highest authority! 

(Arrelsford aghast, General Randolph sur- 
prised. Thorne facing l. listening — motion- 
less.) 

General Randolph, {after an instant's pause of 
surprise) "What authority has he? 



SECRET SERVICE 143 

Edith, {drawing the commission used -in Act I, 
from her dress) The authority of the President 
of the Confederate States of America ! (handing the 
commission to General Randolph. General 
Randolph takes the commission and at once opens 
and examines it. Edith stands a moment where she 
was, looking neither at Arrelsford nor Thorne, 
then slowly retires up and stands back of others 
out of the way) 

General Randolph, (up c. Looking at the com- 
mission) What's this! Major's Commission! As- 
signed to duty on the Signal Corps ! In command 
of the Telegraph Department ! 

Arrelsfofrd. (l. c. breaking out) That com- 
mission — let me explain how she 

General Randolph. That'll do ! — I suppose this 
is a forgery too? 

Arrelsford. Let me tell you sir 

General Randolph. You've told me enough! 
Sergeant — take him to headquarters ! 

Sergeant of the Guard, (quick salute) Fall in 
there! (motioning men at instrument. Men at in- 
strument hurry across to l. and fall into rank) 
Forward march! 

(Sergeant and Guard quickly rush Arrels- 
ford across to door up r. and off.) 

Aurelsfopd. (resisting and protesting as he is 
forced across and off at R.) No! For God's sake, 
General, listen to me ! It's the Yankee Secret Serv- 
ice ! Never mind me, but don't let that dispatch 
go out ! He's a damned Yankee Secret Agent ! His 
brother brought in the signal to-night! (etc.) 

(Sound of footsteps of the Guard outside dying away 
down the corridor and of Arrelsford' s voice 
protesting and calling for justice. Sliort pause, 



144 SECRET SERVICE 

Thorne motionless through above looking front. 
General Randolph, who crossed to up l. c. on 
men forcing Arrelsford of goes down c. and 
looks across at Thorne.) 

General Randolph, (gruffly) Cap'n Thome? 
(Thokne comes to straight military position, goes 
to the General at c. and salutes. General l. 
gruffly) It's your own fault Cap'n! If you'd 
had the sense to mention this before we'd have 
been saved a damned lot o' trouble ! There's your 
commission! (handing commission to Thorne. 
Thorne takes it saluting. — General turns to go) 
I can't understand why they have to be so cursed shy 
about their Secret Service Orders ! (goes up toward 
door up r. c. Stops and speaks to First Operator 
who is standing at r. of door) Lieutenant ! (First 
Operator salutes, Very gruffly) Take your orders 
from Cap'n Thorne! (turns and goes heavily off at 
door up r. very much out of temper) 

(First Operator goes down R. and sits at telegraph 
table on extreme R. Busy with papers. No 
noise. Thorne stands facing l. commission in 
r. hand, until the General is off. Turns K. 
glancing round to see that he is gone, and at 
once glides to telegraph instrument A. and begins 
sending with R. hand — still holding commission 
in it. Edith comes quickly down to Thorne 
r. c.) 

Edith, (at l. upper comer of table — very near 
Thorne) Cap'n Thorne! (Thorne stops tele- 
graphing and turns quickly to her — hand still on key, 
She goes on in low voice, hurried — breathless) That 
gives you authority — long enough to escape from 
Richmond ! 

Thorne. Escape? Impossible! (Seizes key and 
begins to send) 



SECRET SERVICE 145 

Edith. Oh! Yon wouldn't do it now ! (Thorne 
turns and looks at her. Stopping bus. of sending) 

Edith. I brought it — to save your life ! I didn't 
think you'd use it — for anything else ! Oh — you 
wouldn't ! 

(Thorne stands looking at her. Sudden sharp call 
from instrument a. turns him back to it. Edith 
looks at him — covers her face and moans, at 
same time turning away l. She moves up to 
the door up r. and goes out. Thorne stands 
in a desperate struggle with himself as instru- 
ment A. is clicking off the same signal that he 
made when calling up the front. He almost 
seizes the key — then resists — and finally, with 
a bang of right fist on the table, turns and strides 
up L. c. the Commission crushed in his R. hand.) 

First Operator, (who has been listening to calls 
of instrument on table r. c. rising as Thorne comes 
to a stand up l. c.) They're calling for that dispatch 
sir! What shall I do? 

Thorne. (turning quickly) Send it! 

(First Operator drops into seat at table R. c. and 
begins sending.) 

Note : — He arranges dispatch at l. of table for 
Thorne to seize. 

(Thorne stands motionless on the order an instant. 
As Operator begins to send he turns round a 
little up to R. slowly and painfully, R. arm up 
across eyes in a struggle with himself. Sud- 
denly he breaks away and dashes toward table 
r. c.) 

Thorne. No no — stop ! (seizes the dispatch 



146 SECRET SERVICE 

from the table in his r. hand which still has the 
commission crumpled in it) I won't do it ! I won't 
do it ! (First Operator rises in surprise on Thorne 
seizing the dispatch, and stands facing him. Thorne 
points at instrument unsteadily) Revoke the order! 
It was a mistake ! I refuse to act under this com- 
mission! {throwing the papers in his R. hand down 
on the floor and standing c. slightly turned away to 

L.) 

CURTAIN 

Time of playing — 30 minutes. 

Wait between Acts III and IV — eight minutes. 



ACT IV 

Eleven o'clock 

(Scene: — drawing room at General Varney's. 
This is the same set as in Acts I and II. The 
furniture is somewhat disordered as if left as 
it was after the disturbances at the close of the 
second act. 'Couch up R. where Arrelsford put 
it end of Act II. Nothing is broken or upset. 
Half light on in room. Lamps lighted but not 
strong on. See that portieres on window down 
R. are closed. Thunder of distant cannonading 
and sounds of volleys of musketry and exploding 
shells on very strong at times during this act. 
Quivering and rather subdued flashes of light — 
as the artillery is some miles distant — shown at 
windows r. on cues. Violent and hurried ring- 
ing of church bells in distant parts of the city — 
deep, low tones booming out like a fire bell. 
Sounds of hurried passing in the street outside, 
of bodies of soldiers — artillery — cavalry, etc. on 



SECRET SERVICE 147 

cues, with many horse-hoof and rattling gun car- 
riage and chain effects — shouting to horses — 
orders, bugle calls, etc., etc) 

Note: — This thunder of cannonading, shelling 
fortifications, musketry, flashes, etc., must be 
kept up during the act, coming in now and then 
where it will not interfere with dialogue, and so 
arranged that the idea of a desperate attack will 
not be lost. Possible places for this effect will 
be marked thus in the manuscript — (XXX) 

(At rise of curtain, thunder of artillery and 
flashes of light now and then. Ringing of 
church and fire bells in distance.) 

(Caroline is discovered in window up r. shrink- 
ing back against a curtain and looking over 
toward window up R. She starts toward win- 
dow after a moment, but shrinks back at a blind- 
ing flash,) 

{XXX) 

(Enter Mrs. Varney coming hurriedly down the 
stairs from up l. and in at door.) 

Mrs. Varney. Caroline! (Caroline goes to her. 
Takes Caroline forward a little c.) Tell me what 
happened? She won't speak! Where has she been? 
Where was it? 

Caroline, (frightened) It was at the telegraph 
office! 

Mrs. Varney. What did she do? What hap- 
pened ? Try to tell ! 

{Flashes — cannonading — bells, etc., kept up strong. 
Effect of passing artillery begins in the dis- 
tance very pp.) 



148 SECRET SERVICE 

Caroline. Ah don't know! Ah was afraid and 
ran out ! (alarm bell very strong) It's the alarm 
bell, Mrs. Varney — to call out the reserves ! 

Mrs. Varney. Yes — yes ! (a glance of anxiety 
toward windows right) They're making a terrible 
attack to-night. Lieutenant Maxwell was right! 
That quiet spell was the signal! (artillery effect 
louder) 

(Caroline goes to window up R.) 

Caroline, (turning to Mrs. Varney and speak- 
ing above noise, which is not yet on full) It's an- 
other regiment of artillery goin' by ! They're sendin' 
'em all over to Cemetery Hill ! That's where the 
fighting is ! Cemetery Hill ! (effect on loud) 

(Caroline watches from window. Mrs. Varney 
from up R. c. Mrs. Varney crosses over left 
and rings bell. As effect dies away Martha 
enters up left from door R. of stairs.) 

Mrs. Varney. Go up and stay with Miss Edith 
till I come. Don't leave her a moment ! (Martha 
turns and hurries up the stairway and exits up l. 
Alarm bell and cannon on strong) Shut the 
curtains Caroline ! (comes c. up a little) 

(Caroline closes the window curtains at right.) 

Caroline. Ah'm afraid they're goin' to have a 
right bad time to-night ! (going to Mrs. Varney c.) 

Mrs. Varney. (c. l.) Indeed I'm afraid so! 
Now try to think dear, who was at the telegraph 
office? Can't you tell me something? 

Caroline, (c. r. shaking her head) No — only — 
they arrested Mr. Arrelsford ! 

Mrs. Varney. Mr. Arrelsford! Why you don't 
mean that ! 






_ . ^— n 



SECRET SERVICE 149 

Caroline. Yes Ah do ! An' General Randolph — 
he came — Ah went an' brought him there — an' oh — 
he was in a frightful temper ! 

Mrs. Varney. And Edith — now you can tell me — 
what — what did she do ? 

Caroline. Ah can't Mrs. Varney. Ah don't 
know ! Ah just waited for her outside — an' when she 
came out she couldn't speak — an' then we hurried 
home ! That's all Ah know, Mrs. Varney — truly ! 

{Loud ringing of door bell in another part of the 
house. Caroline and Mrs. Varney turn to- 
ward door up l. Noise of heavy steps outside 
left and Arrelsford almost immediately strides 
into the room, followed by two privates, who 
stand at the door.) 

(Caroline steps bach up stage a little as Arrelsford 
enters, and Mrs. Varney faces him.) 

(XXX) 

Arrelsford. (l. c. roughly, as he advances on 
Mrs. Varney) Is your daughter in the house? 
Mrs. Varney. (c. after a second's pause) Yes! 

(XXX) 

Arrelsford. I'll see her if you please I 

Mrs. Varney. I don't know that she'll care to 
receive you at present. 

Arrelsford. What she cares to do at present is of 
small consequence! Shall I go up to her room with 
these men or will you have her come down? 

Mrs. Varney. Neither one nor the other until 
I know your business. 

(Effect of passing cavalry and artillery — strong.) 
Arrelsford. (l. c. excitedly) My business! I've 



150 SECRET SERVICE 

got a few questions to ask! Listen to that! (XXX 
on strong) Now yon know what "Attack To-night 
Plan Three " means ! 

Mes. Vaeney. (c. change of manner. Surprise) 
Is that — the attack! 

Aekelsfoed. That's the attack Madam ! They're 
breaking through onr lines at Cemetery Hill ! That 
was PLAN" THEEE! We're rushing over the re- 
serves but they may not get there in time ! 

(XXX) 

(Caeoline has crossed at bach to l. door as if going 
out, but waits to see what happens.) 

Mes. Vaeney. What has my daughter to do with 
this? 

Aeeelsfoed. Do with it ! She did it ! 
Mes. Vaeney. (astonished) What ! 

(Noise of passing Cavalry Officer going by singly.) 

Aeeelsfoed. We had him in his own trap — under 
arrest — the telegraph under guard — when she brought 
in that commission ! 

Mes. Vaeney. (horrified) You don't mean she — 
Aeeelsfoed. Yes — that's it! She put the game 
in his hands. He got the wires ! His cursed dispatch 
went through. As soon as I got to headquarters 
they saw the trick! They rushed the guard back — 
the scoundrel had got away! But we're after him 
hot, an' if she knows where he is— (about to turn 
to and go toward door up l.) Fll get it out of her ! 

(XXX) 

Mes. Vaeney. You don't suppose my daughter 
would — (interrupted) 



SECRET SERVICE 151 

Arrelsford. (breaking in on" suppose") I sup- 
pose anything! 

Mrs. Varney. I'll not believe it ! 

Arrelsford. We can't stop for what you believe ! 
(as if to go L. to stairs) 

(Stop alarm bells.) 

Mrs. Varney. Let me speak to her! 

(Passing cavalry effect lias died away by this time.) 

Arrelsford. I'll see her myself! (going up l.) 

(Caroline has stepped quietly down so that as Ar- 
relsford turns to go toward stairway she con- 
fronts him.) 

Caroline, (up l. c. between Arrelsford and 
door. Almost on cue of his last speech) Where is 
your order for this? 

Arrelsford. (l. c. after instant's surprise) I've 
got a word or two to say to you — after I've been 
upstairs ! 

Caroline. Show me your order for going up- 
stairs ! 

Arrelsford. Department business — I don't re- 
quire an order! 

Caroline, (shaking head) Oh, you've made a 
mistake about that! This is a private house! It 
isn't the telegraph office ! If you want to go up any 
stairs or see anybody about anything you'll have to 
bring an order ! Ah don't know much — but Ah know 
enough for that! (exit upstairs) 

(XXX light) 

Arrelsford. (after pause, turns sharply to Mrs. 
Varney, who is r. c.) Am I to understand Madam, 
that you — (break, interrupted by noise of bell and 
steps outside) 



152 



SECRET SERVICE 






(Loud ringing of door bell in distant part of house, 
following almost immediately after by the sound 
of door outside L. and tramp of many feet in the 
hallway. ) 

(XXX cavalry effect begins again) 

(Arrelsford and Mrs. Varney turn.) 

(Enter striding on quickly a Sergeant and four men. 
Men are halted near L. Officer advances to 
Mrs. Varney. Arrelsford steps back a little 
up c.) 

Sergeant, (c. touching his cap roughly) Are 
yon the lady that lives here, ma'am ? 

Mrs. Varney. (r. c.) I am Mrs. Varney! 

Sergeant, (c. interrupting) I've got an order 
to search the honse! (showing Mrs. Varney the 
order) 

Arrelsford. Jnst in time! (coming down l. c.) 
I'll go through the honse if you please ! 

Sergeant, (shortly) Yon can't go through on 
this order — it was issued to me ! 

Mrs. Varney. You were sent here to 

Sergeant. Yes ma'am! Sorry to trouble }'ou 
but we'll have to be quick about it! If we don't 
get him here we've got to follow down Franklin 
Street — he's over this way somewhere ! (turns L. 
about to give orders to men) 

Mrs. Varney. Who ? Who is it you 

Sergeant, (l. c. up. Hurriedly) Man named 
Thorne — Cap'n of Artillery — that's what he went by ! 
(turns to his men) Here — this way! That room in 
there! (indicating room up c.) Two of you out- 
side ! (pointing to windows) Cut off those win- 
dows. 

(Two men run into room up c. and two off at win- 



SECRET SERVICE 153 

dows e. as indicated, throwing open curtains and 
windows as they do so. Mes. Vaeney stands 
aside E. c. Seegeant glances quickly round the 
room — pushing desk out and looking behind it, 
etc. Keep up cavalry effects and flashes during 
business. Artillery strong during this. These 
effects distant — as if going down another street 
several blocks away. During bus. Aeeelsfoed 
goes to door l. and gives an order to his men. 
Then he exits door left. Men who came with 
Aeeelsfoed exit after him.) 

(XXX) 

(The two men who went off at door up c. to 
search, re-enter shoving the old negro Jonas 
roughly into the room. He is torn and dirty 
and shows signs of rough handling. They force 
him down c. a little way and he stands crouch- 
ing.) 

Seegeant. (e. c. to men) Where did you get 
that? 

Peivate. (c.) Hiding in a closet sir. 

Seegeant. (going c. To Jonas) What are you 
doing in there? If you don't answer me we'll kick 
the life out of you ! (short pause. To Mes. Vaeney) 
Belongs to you Ah reckon? 

Mes. Vaeney. (e, a little) Yes — but they want 
him for carrying a message 

Sergeant, (interrupting) Well if they want 
him they can get him — we're looking for someone 
else! (motions to men) Throw him back in there! 
(men shove Joxas off at door up c. Other mm re- 
enter from windows at right) Here — this room ! 
Be quick now! Cover that door! (two men hare 
quick business of searching room down w. and L. The 
other two men stand on guard door up L.) Sorry to 
disturb .yon ma'am ! (bell rings off L.) 



X54 SECRET SERVICE 

Mrs. Varney. Do what you please — I have noth- 
ing to conceal! (sound of door outside up l.) 



(XXX) 



(Voice of Orderly calling outside up l.) 

.Orderly, (outside door up l.) Here! Lend a 
hand will yon ! 

(Two men at door up left exit at left to help some- 
one outside.) (Enter the Orderly who took Wil- 
fred away in Act II. coming on hurriedly at door up 
left. Stands just below door — a few steps into room 
He is splashed with foam and mud from hard riding. 
He sees Sergeant and salutes) (Sergeant salutes 
Orderly and goes over, looking out of window up r. 
Mrs. Varney upon seeing the Orderly gives a cry of 
alarm) 

Orderly. Ah've brought back the boy ma'am ! 

Mrs. Varney. (r. c. starting forward) Oh! 
What do yon — (breathless) What 

Orderly. We never got ont there at all! The 
Yankees made a raid down at Mechanicsville not 
three miles ont ! The Home Guard was goin' by on 
the dead run to head 'em off an' before I knew it 
he was in with 'em riding like mad! There was a 
bit of a skirmish an' he got a clip across the neck — 
nothing at all ma'am — he rode back all the way an' — 
(Cavalry effects die away gradually) 

Mrs. Varney. Oh — he's hurt — he's hurt ! 

Orderly. Nothing bad ma'am — don't upset your- 
self. 

Mrs. Varney. (starts toward the door) Where 
did you — (stops on seeing Wilfred) (enter Wil- 
fred at door left supported by two of the Men. He 
is pale and has a bandage about neck. Mrs. Varney 
after the slight pause on his entrance goes to him at 
once) 

Mrs. Varney. (going to Wilfred) Oh Wilfred ! 



SECRET SERVICE 155 

Wilfred, (motioning Mrs. Varney off) It's all 
right — you don't understand! (Tries to free him- 
self from, the man who is supporting him) What 
do you want to hold me like that for ? (Frees himself 
•and walks toivard c. a few steps a little unsteadily 
but not too much so) — You see — I can walk all right ! 
(Mrs. Varney comes down anxiously on his right 
and holds him) (Wilfred turns and sees his mother 
and takes her hand with an effort to do it in as casual 
<l manner as possible) How-dy-do Mother! — Didn't 
expect me back so soon, did you? — Tell you how it 
was — (turns and sees Orderly. To Orderly) 
Don't you go away now — Ah'm going back with you 
— just wait till I rest about a minute. See here! 
They're ringing the bells to call out the reserves! 
(Starting weakly toward door l.) Ah'll go right 
now! 

(XXX) 

Mrs. Varney. (gently holding him back) No 
no Wilfred — not now! 

(Note : Wilfred must get well over to R. c. when he 
speaks to Mrs. Varney, and not move back to 
left more than a step or two, in order to be near 
lounge.) 

(XXX louder) 

Wilfred, (weakly) Not now! — You hear that — 
you hear those bells — and tell me — not now ! — I — 
(sways a little) I — (Mrs. Varney gives a cry of 
alarm seeing Wilfred is going to faint) 

Sergeant, (quick undertone to Men) Stand by 
there! (Wilfred faints. Mrs. Varney supports 
him, but almost immediately the Two Men come to 
her assistance. Sergeant and Two Men push lounge 



156 SECRET SERVICE 

forward down R. c. and they quickly lay him on it, 
head to the r. Mes. Varney goes to head of couch, 
and holds Wilfred's head as they lay him down) 

{Cannonading gradually ceases.) 

Sergeant, (to one of the men) Find some water 
will you? (to Mrs. Yaeney) Put his head down 
ma'am — he'll be all right in a minute ! 

(A Private hurries off at door up l. on order to get 
water. Sergeant gets chair from up c. puts it 
bach of couch. Mrs. Varney goes back of couch, 
attending to Wilfred. Private re-enters with 
basin of water and gives it to Mrs. Varney) 

Officer, (to Men) This way now! 

(Men move quickly to door up left. Officer gives 
quick directions to Men at door up L. All exit. 
One or two go R. Officer with most of men 
are seen going up the stairway. Orderly is left 
standing l. a little below door, exactly as he was. 
Mrs. Varney kneeling back of Wilfred and 
bathing his head tenderly — using her handker- 
chief) 

Orderly, (after brief pause) If there ain't any- 
any thing else ma'am, Ah'd better report back. 

Mrs. Varney. Yes— don't wait! — The wound is 
dressed isn't it? 

Orderly. Yes'm. I took him to the Winder Hos- 
pital — they said he'd be on his feet in a day or two — 
but he wants to keep quiet a bit. 

Mrs. Varney. Tell the General just how it hap- 
pened ! 

Orderly. (touching cap) Very well ma'am. 
(exit at door up l.) 



SECRET SERVICE 157 

{Short pause. Mrs. Varney gently bathing Wil- 
fred's head and wrists) {Alarm bells die away 
excepting one ivhich continues to ring in muffled 
tones) (Caroline appears coming down the 
stairway absent-mindedly, stopping when part 
way down. Sees somebody in the room. Looks 
more intently Suddenly runs down the rest of 
the way and into the room at door up l. stop- 
ping dead when a little way in and looking at 
ivhat is going on. Mrs. Varney does not see 
her at first — Caroline stands motionless — face 
very white. Mrs. Varney after a moment's 
pause for above, sees Caroline) 

(XXX) 

Mrs. Varney. (rising quickly) Caroline dear! 
(goes to Caroline c.) It's nothing \ (holds Caro- 
line, though the girl seems not to know it, her face 
expressionless and her eyes fixed on Wilfred) He's 
hardly hurt at all! There — there — don't yon faint 
too, dear! 

Caroline, (very low voice) Ah'm not going to 
faint! (sees the handkerchief in Mrs. Varney's 
hand) Let me — (takes handkerchief and goes across 
toward Wilfrfjd, toward front of couch. Turns to 
Mrs. Varney) — Ah can take care of him. Ah 
don't need anybody here at all ! (goes toward Wil- 
fred) 

Mrs. Vahney. But Caroline 

Caroline, (still with a strange quiet. Looks 
calmly at Mrs. Varney) Mrs. Varney — there's a 
heap o> soldiers goin' round upstairs — lookin' in all 
the rooms. Ah reckon you'd better go an' attend to 
'em. 

Mrs. Varney. Yes yes — I must go a moment! 
(going up toward door up l. stops and turns to 
Caroline) You know what to do? 



' 



158 SECRET SERVICE 

Caroline. Oh yes! {dropping down on the floor 
beside Wilfred in front of couch) 

Mrs. Varney. Bathe his forehead — he isn't badly 
hurt ! — I won't be long ! (exit hurriedly up L. closing 
the portieres or curtains together after her) 

(Caroline on her knees close to Wilfred, tenderly 
bathing his forehead and smoothing his hair) 
(Wilfred soon begins to show signs of revival.) 

Carolne. (speaking to Wilfred in low tone as he 
revives. Not a continued speech, but with pauses — 
business, etc.) Wilfred dear! — Wilfred! Yon' re not 
hurt mnch are yon ? — Oh no — yon're not ! There 
there! — Yon'll feel better in just a minnte! — Yes — 
just a minute ! (etc.) 

Wilfred, (weakly. Before he realizes what has 
happened) Is there — are you — (looks round with 
wide open eyes) 

Caroline. Oh Wilfred — don't you know me? 

Wilfred, (looks at her) What are you talking 
about — of course Ah know you! — Say — what am I 
doing anyhow — taking a bath? 

Caroline. No no! — You see Wilfred — you just 
fainted a little an' 

Wilfred. Fainted! (Caroline nods) I fainted! 
(A weak attempt to rise. Begins to remember) Oh 
— (sinks back weakly) — Yes of course! — Ah was in 
a fight with the Yanks — an' got knocked — (begins 
to remember that he was wounded. He thinks about 
it a moment, then looks strangely at Caroline) 

Caroline, (after looking at Wilfred in silence) 
Oh, what is it ? 

Wilfred. Ah'll tell you one thing right yere! 
Ah'm not going to load you up with a cripple ! Not 
much! 

Caroline. Cripple ! 

Wilfred. Ah reckon Ah've got an arm knocked 
off haven't I? 



SECRET SERVICE 159 

Caroline, (quickly) No no ! You haven't Wil- 
fred! (shaking head emphatically) They're both on 
all right! 

Wilfred, (after thinking a moment) Maybe I 
had a hand shot away? 

Caroline. Oh — not a single one ! 

Wilfred. Are my — are my ears on all right? 

Caroline, (looks on both sides of his head) Oh 
yes ! Yon needn't trouble about them a minute ! 
(Wilfred thinks a moment Then turns his eyes 
slowly upon her) 

Wilfred. How many legs have Ah got left? 

Caroline, (looks to see) All of 'em — Every one! 

(Last alarm bell ceases.) 

Wilfred, (after pause) Then — if there's enough 
of me left to — to amount to anything — (looks in 
Caroline's face a moment) you'll take charge of 
it just the same? — How about that? 

Caroline, (after pause) That's all right too! 
(Caroline suddenly buries face on his shoulder) 
(Wilfred gets hold of her hand and kisses it) 
(Suddenly raising head and looking at him) Ah 
tried to send you a telegram — an' they wouldn't let 
me! 

Wilfred. Did you? (Caroline nods) What 
did you say in it? (pause) Tell me what you said ! 

Caroline. It was something nice! (looks away) 

Wilfred. It was, eh? (Caroline nods with her 
head turned away from him) (Wilfred reaches up 
and turns her head toward him again) You're sure 
it was something nice ! 

Caroline. Well Ah wouldn't have gone to work 
an' telegraphed if it was something bad would Ah? 

Wilfred. Well if it was good, why didn't you 
send it? 

Caroline. Goodness gracious! How could Ah 
when they wouldn't Let un v ! 



- "" 



160 SECRET SERVICE 

Wilfred. Wouldn't let you! 

Caroline. Ah should think not! (moves bach 
for Wilfred's business of getting up) Oh they had 
a dreadful time at the telegraph office ! 

Wilfred. Telegraph office, (tries to recollect) 
Telegr — were you there when — (raising himself) 

(alarm bell begins to ring again.) 

(XXX) 

(Caroline moves bach a little frightened — without 
getting up — watching him. Wilfred suddenly 
tries to get up) That was it ! — They told me at 
the hospital ! (attempts to rise) 

(XXX) 



Caroline, (rising. Trying to prevent him) Oh, 
you mustn't! 

Wilfred, (gets partly on his feet and pushes 
Caroline away with one hand, holding to the chair 
near the desk r. 1 for support with the other) He 
gets hold' of our Department Telegraph — sends out 
a false order — weakens our defense at Cemetery Hill 
— an' they're down on us in a minute! An' she 
gave it to him ! The Commission ! — My sister 
Edith ! 

(XXX) 

Caroline, (l. of Wilfred) Oh you don't know 
— (interrupted) 

Wilfred, (imperiously) Ah know this — if the 
General was here he'd see her! The General isn't 
here — Ah'll attend to it ! 

(XXX) 

(Wilfred begins to feel a dizziness and holds on to 



SECRET SERVICE 161 

desk for support. Caroline starts toward him 
in alarm. He braces himself erect again with 
an effort and motions her off. — She stops.) 

Wilfred, (after bus. — Weakly but with clear 
voice, and commandingly) Send her to me ! 
(Caroline stands almost frightened with her eyes 
upon him) 

(Enter Mrs. Yarney at door up l. Caroline hur- 
ries toward Mrs. Varney in a frightened way — 
glancing back at Wilfred.) 

Caroline. He wants to see Edith! 
Mrs. Varney. (going toward Wilfred) Xot 
now Wilfred — you're too weak and ill! 

(Caroline remains up c.) 

Wilfred, (r.) Tell her to come here! 

Mrs. Yarney. (l. of Wilfred) It won't do any 
good — she won't speak! 

Wilfred. Ah don't want her to speak — Ah'm 
going to speak to her ! 

Mrs. Yarney. Some other time ! 

Wilfred, (leaves the chair that he held to and 
moves toward door up L. as if to pass his mother and 
Caroline) If you won't send her to me — Ah'll 

Mrs. Yarney. (stopping him) There there! If 
you insist I'll call her! 

Wilfred. Ah insist ! 

(XXX) 

Mrs. Yarney. (turns toward door and goes a few 
steps, crossing Caroline. Stops. Turns back to 
Caroline) Stay with him, dear! 

Wilfred, (weak voice but commandingly) Ah'll 
see her alone ! 



162 SECRET SERVICE 

(Mrs. Varney looks at him an instant Sees that 
he means what he says. Motions Caroline to 
come. Caroline looks at Wilfred a moment, 
then turns and slowly goes to door up l. where 
Mrs. Varney is waiting for her, looks sadly 
back at Wilfred again, and then they both go 
off at door up L.) 

(XXX) 

(Wilfred stands motionless an instant down 
r. c. as he was when the two ladies left the 
room. Noise of approaching men — low shouts 
— steps on gravel, etc., outside up R., begins in 
distance. On this Wilfred turns and moves 
up c. looking off to right. Then goes behind 
thickness of door up c. but does not open the 
door.) 

(XXX) 

(Alarm bell ceases. Low sound of distant 
voices and the tramp of hurrying feet quickly 
growing louder and louder outside right. When 
it is on strong, Thorne appears springing over 
balustrade of veranda above window up r. and 
instantly runs forward, into the room — knock- 
ing over pedestal and vase at R. but quickly 
back against wall or curtains at right so that he 
will not be seen. He stands there panting — face 
pale — eyes hunted and desperate. His left hand 
is bandaged roughly. He has no hat, or coat, 
hair is disheveled, shoes dusty, trousers and shirt 
torn and soiled. As the noise of his pursuers 
dies away he turns into the room and makes a 
rapid start across toward L. Looking quickly 
about as if searching for someone.) 

(Wilfred — who has been watching him from up c. 



SECRET SERVICE 163 

darts down c. as Thorne goes across and comes 
down right of him catching hold of him by right 
arm and shoulder.) 

Wilfred, (on Thorne's e. near c. Seizing hold 
of Thorne's right arm and shoulder as Thorne 
passes him) Halt! You're under arrest! 

Thorne. (with a quick glance bach at Wilfred) 
Wait a minute ! (shaking loose from Wilfred and 
turning up L. c.) Wait a minute an' I'll go with 
you ! (going up l., looking this way and that) 

Wilfred, (a step toward Thorne as if to fol- 
low) Halt I say. You're my prisoner ! 

Thorne. (turning and going quickly down to 
Wilfred) All right— prisoner — anything you like ! 
(drawing revolver from right hip pocket and push- 
ing it into his hands) Take this — shoot the life out 
of me— but let me see my brother first! 

Wilfred, (talcing the revolver) Your brother! 

Thorne. (nods — breathless) One look in his 
face — that's all ! 

Wilfred. Where is he? 

Thorne. (l. of c. a little. Quick glance about 
Points toward the door up c.) Maybe they took him 
in there ! (striding up c. toward door as he speaks) 

Wilfred, (r. of c. a little. Springing up and 
covering Thorne with revolver) What is he doing? 

Thorne. (facing Wilfred half way up c.) Ha! 

Wilfred, (still covering Thorne) What's he 
doing in there? 

Thorne. Nothing! . . . He's dead! (stands 
motionless facing r.) 

(Wilfred looks at Thorne a moment. Then begins 
to back slowly up to door up c, keeping eyes on 
Thorne and revolver ready but not aimed.— 
Opens door up c. Quick look into the room. 
Faces Thorne again.) 



164 SECRET SERVICE 

Wilfred. It's a lie ! 

Thorne. (turning up toward Wilfred) What! 

Wilfred. There's no one there ! — It's another 
trick of yours! (starts toward window up R.) Call 
in the Guard ! Call the Guard ! Captain Thorne is 
here in the honse ! 

(Wilfred exits at window r. calling tine Guard. 
His voice is heard outside r., becoming more and 
more distant.) 

(Thorne stands a moment until Wilfred is off 
then springs to the door up c. — opens it and 
looks into the room, going part way off at the 
door. lie glances this way and that within room 
then attitude of failure — left hand dropping 
from frame of door to his side as he comes to 
erect position. Right hand retaining hold of 
knob of door, which he pushed open.) 

(On Thorne standing erect, Edith enters 
through the portieres of the door up L. — expect- 
ing to find Wilfred. She stands just within 
the doorway to the l. of it.) 

(Thorne turns and comes out of room up a, 
closing the door as he does so. Turning away 
from the door — right hand still on the knob — he 
sees Edith and stops motionless facing her.) 

Thorne. (going to Edith up l. c.) Yon wouldn't 
tell me would yon! He was shot in this room — an 
hour ago — my brother Harry ! — I'd like one look in 
his dead face before they send me the same way! 
Can't you tell me that much Miss Varney? Is he in 
the house. (Edith looks in his face an instant mo- 
tionless — then turns and moves slowly down L. c. and 
stands near the table there) 



SECRET SERVICE 165 

Thorne. (turns and moves toward window up R.) 
(A sudden burst of shouts and calls outside up R. in 
distance on Thorne's turning away to R. as if Wil- 
fred had reached a posse of the Guard) (Turning 
near c. — a flash of distant artillery on him from 
outside up r.) Ha ha — they're on the scent you 
see ! — -They'll get me in a minute — an' when they 
do it won't take long to finish me off! (looks at 
her) And as that'll be the last of me — (moves 
toward her) as that'll be the last of me Miss Varney 
— maybe you'll listen to one thing! We can't all 
die a soldier's death — in the roar and glory of battle 
— our friends around us — under the flag we love! — 
no — not all ! Some of us have orders for another 
kind of work — desperate — dare-devil work — the haz- 
ardous schemes of the Secret Service ! We fight our 
battles alone — no comrades to cheer us on — ten thou- 
sand to one against us — death at every turn ! If we 
win we escape with our lives — if we lose — dragged 
out and butchered like dogs — no soldier's grave — not 
even a trench with the rest of the boys — alone — de- 
spised — forgotten ! These were my orders Miss Var- 
ney — this is the death I die to-night — and I don't 
want you to think for one minute that I'm ashamed 
of it — not for one minute ! 

(Suddenly shouts and noise of many men running up 
outside up r. and also outside up L. — Thorne 
swings round and walks up c. in usual nonchal- 
ant manner, and stands up c. waiting and faced 
a little to r. of front, leaning on side of door 
with outstretched right arm) 

(Edith moves to left and stands near mantel.) 

(As shouts become nearer, Thorne turns and 
stands waiting, faced to front. No assumption 
of bravado. Simply waiting without troubling 
himself about the affair one way or the other) 



166 SECRET SERVICE 

(Enter from both windows on right— bursting 
open the one down right — and from door up L. 
a Squad of Confederate Soldiers in gray uni- 
forms — not too old and dirty — those on right 
headed by the Sergeant who searched the house 
early in this act, and those on left by Corporal, 
etc., etc., of former acts. Wilfred Varney with 
revolver still in his hand, enters at windows 
down R. in lead of others, coming to R. c. — All 
the available and effective force possible for this. 
The men themselves must be solid and capable of 
effective worh. Upon no account allow boys in 
this squad. — They rush on at climax of noise of 
feet and voices outside, and with a shout of ex~ 
ultation, and stand on charge at each side) 

Wilfred, (r. c. to Sergeant) There's your man 
Sergeant — I hand him over to yon! 

Sergeant. (Up r. c. — Advancing to Thorne and 
putting hand roughly on his shoulder) Prisoner! 

(XXX) 

(Enter Arrelsford hurriedly at door up L.) 

Areelsford. (breaking through between men at 
left and standing l. c.) Where is he? (Sees 
Thorne) Ah! We've got him have we! 

Sergeant. Young Varney here captured him, sir ! 
(enter Mrs. Varney up l. She goes down left side 
near f. p. and stands looking on) 

Arrelsford. (left of Thorne) So! — Run down 
at last ! (Thorne pays no attention to Arrelsford. 
— He merely waits for the end of the disturbance) 
Now you'll find out what it costs to play your little 
game with our Government Telegraph Lines! 
(Thorne does not even listen. — Arrelsford turns 
to Sergeant) Don't waste any time! Take him 
down the street and shoot him full of lead! — Out 



SECRET SERVICE 167 

with him! (going down L. c. on last of speech) 
(Low shouts of approval from men, and general 
movement as if to start, the Sergeant at same time 
shoving Thorne a little toward L.) 

Sergeant, (gruffly — as he starts. With other 
shouts) Come along! 

Wilfred, (a step toward c. — revolver still in 
hand) No! (on Wilfred's ' no' all stop. During 
the rest of Wilfred's speech Thorne turns wearily 
away to l. — which brings him around facing up stage 
a little — near the door up c.) — Whatever he is — 
whatever he's done — he has the right to a trial! 
(Thorne turns suddenly round and looks at Wil- 
fred) 

Arrelsford. (down l. c.) General Tarleton said 
to me, " If you find him shoot him on sight ! " 

Wilfred, (down r. c.) I don't care what General 
Tarleton said — I captured the man — he's in this 
house — and he's not going out without he's treated 
fair! (Wilffed looks up toward Thorne. Their 
eyes meet. Then Thorne turns away up stage, rest- 
ing left hand against l. side of door frame) 

Arrelsford. (suddenly. Angrily) Well — let 
him have it! — We'll give him a drum-head, boys — 
but it'll be the quickest drum-head ever held on earth ! 
(to Sergeant) Stack muskets here an' run 'em in 
for the court ! 

Sergeant, (stepping a little down c. and facing 
about — back to audience) Fall in here! Men 
break positions each side and run up stage, falling 
quickly into a double rank just above Sergeant) 
Fall in the Prisoner! (Men separate r. & l. leaving 
space at c. Thorne steps down into position and 
stands) Stack — arms ! (front rank men stack. — 
Rear rank men pass pieces forward. Front rank 
men lay them on stacks. — Turning right to Mrs. 
Vakney and touching cap) Where shall we find a 
vacant room, ma'am? 



168 SECRET SERVICE 

Mrs. Varney. At the head of the stairs — there's 
none on this floor. 

Sergeant, (turning up to men) Escort — left 
face! (men left face — Thorne obeying the order 
with them) Forward — march! — File left! (etc.) 

(Soldiers with Thorne march rapidly out of the 
room at door up L. and disappear up the stair- 
way outside up l. The Sergeant exits up l. 
after men.) 

(Arrelsford exits after men up L. following them 
closely up the stairway and off L. Wilfred 
goes off and up the stairway with some effort, 
following the Sergeant. Mrs. Varney exits at 
door up left and off to left.) 

Note: — The foregoing scene to be played very 
rapidly and at high tension. The rush of men on — 
the capture — Tiiorne's cool nonchalance — Edith 
motionless down left. The few words and the hur- 
ried exit to drum-head the prisoner — all a sweep of 
sudden vengeance, with the lurid flashes seen at win- 
dows R. and the sullen roar of cannon in distance. 

(XXX) 

(Edith turns and crosses slowly to window at right. 
Pauses a moment. Flashes of light from dis- 
tant cannonading on her face. She stands in 
window right — partly hidden by curtains — look- 
ing off.) 

(XXX) 

(The door up c. slowly opens a little way so that 
someone can look through the crack. Soon the 
old negro Jonas enters cautiously — almost 
crawling on. lie looks this way and that and 
off at door up left and up the stairway. Sud- 



SECRET SERVICE 169 

denly his eyes light on the stacks of muskets. 
He goes to the one up l. c. — looks about fear- 
fully — apprehensively. Hesitates an instant. 
During Jonas' business — artillery and cavalry 
effects on strong. Cannon and musketry fire 
in distance — alarm bells on strong — begin as 
men go upstairs.) 

(XXX) 

(Jonas makes up his mind to do it. Drops down 
on knees by stack of muskets up l. c. — snaps 
the breech lock of one — without moving it from 
the stack — gets out the cartridge, looks at it, 
bites it with his teeth and looks at it again. 
Bites again and makes motions of getting the 
ball off and putting it in his pocket. Puts 
cartridge back in the musket, snaps the lock 
shut, and moves on to the next. Repeats bus. 
of cartridge out, but is much quicker, biting off 
the ball at once. Repeats more rapidly and 
quickly with another musket, crawling quickly 
round the stack. Moves over to stack at r. c. 
Same bus. Make scene as rapidly as possible.) 

(As Jonas gets well to work on muskets Edith turns 
at window up r. and sees him. She stands a 
moment motionless — then comes down on right, 
and stands looking at him without moving. 
Jonas, who began after leaving stack L. c. at 
upper side of stack r. c. has worked around down 
stage on the stack, and has come to the lower 
side. Edith stands near the desk at R. and 
drops a book upon it on cue to make Jonas look 
up after the last musket but one. Jonas looks 
up and sees Edith watching him. He stops.) 

(XXX) 



170 



SECRET SERVICE 



(Stop loud effects as Jonas speaks — but keep up 
tells and far distant cannon.) 

Jonas, (after pause. Very low voice) Dhey's 
a-goin' ter shoot 'im — shoot 'im down like a dog, 
Missy — an' Ah couldn't b'ar to see 'em do dat ! Ah 
wouldn't like to see y im killed — Ah wouldn't like it 
noways! You won't say nuffin' 'bout dis — fer de 
sake of ole Jonas what was always so fond o' you — 
ebber sense ye was a little chile ! (he sees that Edith 
does not appear angry, and goes on with his work of 
drawing the bullets out of the last musket) Ye see 
— I jiss take away dis yer — an' den dar won't be no 
harm to 'ini what-some-ebber — Iess'n day loads 'em 
up agin ! (slowly hobbles to his feet as he speaks) 
When dey shoots — an' he jiss draps down, dey'll roll 
'im over inter de gutter an' be off like dey was mad I 
Den Ah can be near by — an' — (suddenly thinks of 
something. A look of consternation comes over his 
face. He speaks in almost whisper) How's he gonr* 
ter know ! Ef he don't drap down dey'll shoot him 
agin — an dey'll hab bullets in 'em nex' time! (anx- 
iously glances around an instant) Dey'll hab bullets 
in 'em next time ! (looks about. Suddenly to Edith) 
You tell 'im ! You tell him Missy — it's de ony-est 
way! Tell 'im to drap down! (supplicatingly) 
Do dis fur ole Jonas, honey — do it fur me — an' Ah'll 
be a slabe to ye ez long ez Ah lib ! (slight pause. 
Sudden subdued yell outside up left sounding as if 
from men shut inside a room on the floor above. 
Jonas starts and turns on the yell. Half whisper) 
Dey's a-goin' ter kill 'im ! 

(XXX) 

(Noise of heavy tramp of feet outside l. above — doors 
opening, etc. An indistinct order or two before 
regular order heard. Jonas goes hurriedly up 
to door up c.) 



SECRET SERVICE 171 

Sergeant. (outside l. — Above) — Fall in! — 
Eight face ! — Forward — March ! 

Jonas, (at door up c.) Oh tell 'im Missy! Tell 
'im to drap down for God's sake! (exit Jonas at 
door up c. carefully closing it -after him) 

(XXX) 

(Edith crosses to l. c. and stands waiting, her face 
expressionless, in front of table L. c.) 

(XXX) 

{Enter Wilfred up l. coming down the stairs. He 
enters the room coming down c. Enter Caro- 
line at door up l. us Wilfred goes down c. 
She hurries to him with an anxious glance up 
stairway as she passes.) 

Caroline, (c. on Wilfred's l. Almost whisper) 
What are they — going to do? 
Wilfred, (c.) Shoot him! 
Caroline. When ? 
Wilfred. Now. 
Caroline, (low exclamation of pity) Ohl 

(Wilfred goes r. c. below lounge. Caroline stands 
near him on his L. looking on as Soldiers and 
others enter.) 

(Enter, coming down stairway up left at back 
the Sergeant, followed by escort of Soldiers. 
They enter room at door or archway up l. and 
turn R. marching to position they were formerly 
in above the stacks of muskets.) 

(Enter Arrelsford l., following down the stair- 
way after the escort of Men. He goes across to 



172 SECRET SERVICE 

up e. c. Mes. Vaeney enters at door up l. and 
goes down l. Stands l.) 

Seegeant. (Who is at c. facing up. When men 
have come to proper place) Halt! (Men halt) 
Left face ! (Men - face front) 

(Enter Thoene up l. coming down the stairway, 
followed by Coepoeal with his carbine. 
Thoene comes into position at L. of front line 
of men. Coepoeal stands at l. of Thoene.) 

Seegeant. (after Thoene is in position at l. of 
Men) Take arms ! (Men" at once take muskets. 
All very quick) Carry arms ! (Bus. Men" stand in 
line waiting) Fall in the Prisoner ! (Thoene walks 
in front of Men to c. and falls into position) Left 
face! (Thoene and Men face to left on order, 
ready to march out) Forward — (interrupted) 

Edith, (in front of the table l. c.) Wait! — (mo- 
tion of hand to stop them without looking round) 
Who is the officer in command? 

Seegeant. (e. c. down) I'm in command, Miss ! 
(touching cap) 

Edith, (to Seegeant) I'd like to — speak to 
the prisoner! 

Seegeant. Sorry Miss, but we haven't got time ! 
(turning as though to give orders) 

Edith, (sudden turn on him and hand out) 
Only a word ! 

(Seegeant stops c. looking at her — hesitates an in- 
stant — turns to Men. Stepping up L. c.) 

Seegeant. Right face ! (Men face to front again 
on order. Thoene obeying order with others) Fall 
out the prisoner! (Thoene moves forward one step 
out of rank and stands motionless) Now Miss ! 



SECRET SERVICE 173 

Wilfeed. (starting indignantly toward Centre) 
lS T o! 

{Tableau an instant. Seegeant turns in surprise.) 

Caeoline. (holding to Wilfeed and speaking in 
u low voice full of feeling) Oh Wilfred — let her 
speak to him — let her say good-bye! 

(Wilfeed looks at Caeoline a moment. Then with 
gesture to Seegeant indicates that he may go 
on, and turns away e. with Caeoline.) 

Seegeant. (turning to Thoene) The lady! 

{A brief motionless pause — Thoene looking front as 
before. Then he turns slowly and looks at See- 
geant — Seegeant turns and looks meaningly 
toward Edith. Thoene walks down to her, 
stopping close on her right, standing in military 
position, faced, as he walked, a little to l. of 
front.) 

(Aeeelsfoed up e. c. looking at Edith and Thoene. 
Caeoline with Wilfeed down e. c. gives an 
occasional awed and frightened glance at 
Thoene and Edith. All this arranged so that 
there is nv movement after the Seegeant's order 
to "fall out the prisoner. 1 ') 

(Edith, after slight pause, speaks slowly in almost a 
whisper and as if with an effort, but without 
apparent feeling, and without turning to 
Thoene.) 

Edith. (voice for Thoene alone to hear. 
Slowly. Distinctly. Without inflection. A slight 
occasional tremor. Pauses as indicated) One of 



174 



SECRET SERVICE 



the servants — has taken the musket balls — out of 
the guns. If you care to fall on the ground when 
they fire — you may escape with your life ! 

Thorne. (after pause. To Edith. Low voice) 
Do you wish me to do this? 

Edith. (Low voice — without turning) It's noth- 
ing to me. 

(Thorne, with slight sudden movement at the cue, 
turns slowly away to front. — Brief pause. He 
turns toward her again.) 

Thorne. (very low voice) Were you responsi- 
ble in any way for — (Edith shakes her head slightly 
without looking at him. Thorne turns and walks 
right a step or two to c. — Makes turn there and walks 
up c. and turns to l. facing the Sergeant a little R. 
of c. and out of the way of bayonets in coming busi- 
ness. Saluting) Sergeant — (as if making an ordi- 
nary military report) You'd better take a look at 
your muskets — they've been tampered with. 

Sergeant, (snatching musket from man nearest 
him) What the — (quickly snaps it open. Car- 
tridge drops to floor. Sergeant picks it up and looks 
at it) Here ! — (handing musket back to man. 
Turns to squad and gives orders quickly as follows: 
Business on these orders very effective if carried out 
promptly and with precision) Squad — ready! 
(Men come in one movement from " carry " to posi- 
tion for loading) Draw — cartridge! (Men draw 
cartridges. The click and snap of locks and levers 
ringing out simultaneously along the line) With 
ball cartridge — reload! (Men quickly reload. Same 
bus. of rapid click of locks and levers down the 
line) Carry — arms! (Men come to carry on the 
instant. Motionless. Eyes front. To Thorne — 
with off-hand salute) Much obliged sir! 

Thorne. (low voice. Off-hand — as if of no con- 



SECRET SERVICE 175 

sequence) That's all right, (stands facing L. wait- 
ing for order to fall in. Wilfred, after Thorpe's 
warning to officer about muskets, watches him with 
undisguised admiration) 

Wilfred, (suddenly walking up to Thorne) 
Ah'd like to shake hands with you ! 

(Thorne turns and looks at Wilfred, who is just 
below him a little to his right. A smile breaks 
lually over his face.) 



Thorne. (smiling) Is this for yourself — or 
your father? 

Wilfred, (earnestly) For both of us sir! 
(putting out his hand a little way — not raising it 
much) (Thorne grasps his hand, they look into 
each other s faces a moment, let go hands, Wilfred 
turns away to down r. c. and goes up back of couch 
to Caroline. Thorne looks after Wilfred to front 
an instant — then turns L.) That's all, Sergeant! 

Sergeant, (lower voice than before) Fall in the 
Prisoner! (Thorne steps to place in the line and 
turns front) Escort — left face! (Men with 
Thorne left face) Forward ma — (sharp cry of 
"Halt! Half!" outside up l., followed by bang of 
heavy door outside L.) 

Sergeant. Halt! (Men — who have not started 
— stand motionless at left face. On seeing the 
Orderly approaching — just before he is on) Right 
face! 

(Men with Thorne face to front.) 

(Enter quickly at door up L. an Aid — wearing Lieu- 
tenant's uniform. Skrgkant, faced front up L. 
c. just forward of his men, salutes. Aid 
salutes.) 

Sergeant, (low voice to Men) Present — arms! 



176 SECRET SERVICE 

(Men Present) Carry — arms! (Men come to carry 
again) 

(Wilfeed and Caroline move quietly around right 
end of lounge to e. c. above it. Come to posi- 
tion before Aid speaks.) 

(XXX) 

Aid. (standing u-p l. c. — facing e.) General 
Randolph's compliments sir, and he's on the way 
with orders ? 

Aeeelsfoed. (up e. c.) What orders, Lieuten- 
ant? — Anything to do with this case? 

Aid. (no salute to Aerelsfobd) I don't know 
what the orders are, sir. He's been with the Presi- 
dent. 

Aeeelsfoed. I sent word to the Department we'd 
got the man and were going to drum-head him on the 
spot. 

Aid. Then this must be the case sir. I believe 
the General wishes to be present. 

Aeeelsfoed. Impossible! We've held the court 
and I've sent the finding to the Secretary ! The mes- 
senger is to get his approval and meet us at the 
corner of Copley Street. 

Aid. I have no further orders sir ! (retires up 
with quick military movement and turns facing 
front. Stands motionless) 

(XXX) 

(Sound of door outside up l. and the heavy tread 
of the Geneeal as he strides across the hall.) 
Seegeant. (low voice to Men) Present — arms I 
(Men present) 

(Seegeant, Oedeely, etc., on salute.) 



SECRET SERVICE 177 

(Enter General Randolph at door up l., 
striding on hurriedly — returning salutes as he 
crosses to R. c. glancing about.) 

(Enter, after General Randolph, as if he had 
come with him, the First Telegraph Operator, 
(Lieutenant Foray) He stands waiting near 
door, faced front, military position.) 

Sergeant, (low order to Men) Carry — arms! 
(Men come to carry again) 

General Randolph. Ah, Sergeant! — (going 
down and across to R.) Got the prisoner in here 
have you? 

Sergeant, (saluting) Just taking him out sir! 

General Randolph, (r.) Prison? 

Sergeant. No sir! To execute the sentence of 
the Court! 

General Randolph. Had his trial then ! 

Arrelsford. (stopping down R. c. with a salute) 
All done according to regulations, sir! The finding 
has gone to the Secretary ! 

General Randolph, .(r. to Arrelsford) Found 
guilty I judge? 

Arrelsford. Found guilty sir! — No time for 
hanging now — the court ordered him shot! 

General Randolph. What were the grounds for 
this? 

Arrelsford. Conspiracy against our government 
and the success of our arms by sending a false and 
misleading dispatch containing forged orders! 

General Randolph. Court's been misinformed. 
The dispatch wasn't sent! 

(Edith looks up with sudden breathless exclama- 
tion. Wilfred turns with surprise. General 
astonishment.) 



178 SECRET SERVICE 

Arrelsford. (recovering) Why General — the 
dispatch — I saw him 

General Randolph. I say the dispatch wasn't 
sent ! I expected to arrive in time for the trial and 
brought Foray here to testify, (calls to Lieuten- 
ant Foray without looking round) Lieutenant! 

(Lieutenant Foray comes quickly down l. c. fac- 
ing General Randolph. — Salutes.) 

Did Captain Thorne send out any dispatches after 
we left you with him in the office an hour ago? 

Lieutenant Foray. No sir. I was just going 
to send one under his order, but he countermanded it. 

General Randolph. What were his words at the 
time? 

Lieutenant Foray. He said he refused to act 
under that commission. 

(Edith turns toward Thorne and looks at him 
steadfastly.) 

General Randolph. That'll do, Lieutenant! 
(Lieutenant Foray salutes and retires up l.) In 
addition we learn from General Chesney that no 
orders were received over the wire — that Marston's 
Division was not withdrawn — and that our position 
was not weakened in any way. The attack at that 
point has been repulsed. It's plain that the Court 
has been acting under error. The President is there- 
fore compelled to disapprove the finding and it is set 
aside. 

Arrelseord. (c. With great indignation) Gen- 
eral Randolph, this case was put in my hands and 
I 

General Randolph, (interrupting bluffly, but 
without temper) Well I take it out of your hands ! 
Report back to the War Office with my compliments ! 



SECRET SERVICE 179 

(Arrelsford turns and starts toward up L.) 

Arrelsford. (after going a few steps turns bach 
again) Hadn't I better wait and see — 

General Randolph. No — don't wait to see any- 
thing! (Arrelsford looks at General Randolph 
an instant. Then turns and exits at door up l. 
Sound of door outside up L. closed with force. 
General Randolph in front of lounge) Ser- 
geant! (Sergeant quickly down to General Ran- 
dolph on salute. Standing on his l.) Hold your 
men back there. I'll see the prisoner. (Sergeant 
salutes, turns, marches straight up from where he 
is to the right division of the escort so that he is a 
little to right of Thorne and turns front) 

Sergeant. Order — arms! (Squad obeys with 
precision) Parade — rest! (Squad obeys order) 
Fall out the Prisoner! (Thorne steps forward one 
step out of the rank and stands) The General ! 
(Thorne starts down c. to go to General Randolph. 
As Thorne steps forward on order — " The General " 
— to walk down c. Edith starts quickly toward c. 
and intercepts him about two-thirds of the way down, 
on his left. Thorne stopped by Edith shows slight 
surprise for an instant, but quickly recovers and 
looks straight front) 

Edith, (to Thorne as she meets him. Im- 
pulsively. But low voice) Oh — why didn't you 
tell me ! — I thought you sent it ! I thought you — 

General Randolph, (surprised) Miss Varney! 

Edith, (crossing Thorne and speaking impetu- 
ously to the General) There's nothing against him. 
General Randolph ! — He didn't send it ! — There's 
nothing to try him for now! 

General Randolph. You're very much mis- 
taken, Miss Varney. The fact of his being caught 
in our lines without his uniform is enough to swing 
him off in ten minutes. 



180 SECRET SERVICE 

(Edith moans a little, at same time moving bach 
from General a trifle.) 

General Randolph. Cap'n Thome — (Thorne 
steps down and faces General) or whatever your 
name may be — the President is fully informed re- 
garding the circumstances of your case, and I needn't 
say that we look on you as a cursed dangerous char- 
acter! There isn't any doubt whatever that you'd 
ought to be exterminated right now ! — But consider- 
ing the damned peculiarity of your behavior — and 
that you refused for some reason — to send that dis- 
patch when you might have done so, we've decided to 
keep you out of mischief some other way. The Ser- 
geant will turn you over to Major Whitfield sir! 
(Sergeant up r. c. salutes) You'll be held as a 
prisoner of war! (turns and goes R. a few steps) 

(Edith turns suddenly to Thorne, coming down 
before him as he faces R.) 
Edith, (looking in his face) Oh — that isn't 
nearly so bad ! 

(Thorne holds her hand in his right.) 

Thorne. "No ? 

Edith. No ! — Because — sometime — (hesitates) 
Thorne. (his face nearer hers) Ah — if it's 
sometime, that's enough ! 

(Slight pause. Edith sees Mrs. Yarney at l. 
and crosses to her, Thorne retaining her hand 
as she crosses — a step bach to let her pass — fol- 
lowing her with his eyes — releasing her hand 
only when he has to.) 

Edith. Mamma, won't you speak to him ? 

(Mrs. Varney and Edith l. talh quietly.) 



SECRET SERVICE 181 

Wilpeed. {suddenly leaving Caroline up r. c. 
and striding down from behind couch to Thorne, 
extending hand) Pd like to shake hands with you! 

Thorne. (turning to Wilfeed) What, again? 
(taking Wilfeed's hand. Under breath as he does 
so) All right — go ahead. 

(Wilfeed, shaking hands with Thoene and crossing 
him to l. as he does so — back to audience, laugh- 
ing and very happy about it.) 

Caeoline. (coming quickly down, pushing See- 
geant back out of the way as she goes) So would I ! 
(holding out her hand) 

(Thoene let go Wilfeed's hand — now on his left 
and takes Caeoline's. — Wilfeed a little below 
on his left — Caeoline level on his right.) 

Wilfeed. Don't yon be afraid now — it'll be all 
right! They'll give yon a parole and 

Caeoline. (breaking in enthusiastically) A 
parole! Goodness gracious! Why they'll give you 
hundreds of 'em! turning away with funny little 
comprehensive gesture of both hands on end of her 
speech) 

General Randolph, (gruffly) One moment if 
you please ! Thorne turns at once, facing General 
Randolph near c. Caroline and Wilfred go 
up r. c. to above couch. Edith stands l. c. Mrs. 
Varney near table l.) There's only one reason on 
earth why the President has set aside a certain ver- 
dict of death. You held up that false order and 
made a turn in our favor. We expect you to make 
the turn complete and enter our service. 

(All motionless — watching the scene.) 

Thorne. (after instant's pause. Quietly) Why 
General — that's impossible ! 



— _ 



182 SECRET SERVICE 

General Randolph, (r.) You can give us 
your answer later! 

Thorne. (c.) You have it now! 

General Randolph. You'll be kept in close con- 
finement until you come to our terms ! 

Thorne. You're making me a prisoner for life! 

General Randolph. You'll see it in another light 
before many days. And it wouldn't surprise me if 
Miss Varney had something to do with your change 
of views! 

Edith, (coming toward c.) You're mistaken 
General Randolph — I think he's perfectly right! 

(Thorne turns to Edith and moves toward her 
getting her hand in his R.) 

General Randolph. Very well — we'll see what 
a little prison life will do. (a sharp order) Ser- 
geant! (Sergeant comes down r. c. and salutes) 
Report with the prisoner to Major Whitfield ! (turns 
away to front) 

(Sergeant turns at once to Thorne. — Thorne and 
Edith look in each other's eyes.) 

Thorne. (low voice to Edith) What is it — love 
and Good-bye? 

Edith, (almost a whisper) Oh no — only the 
first! — And that one every dav — every hour — every 
minute — until we meet again! 

Thorne. Until we meet again! 

Sergeant, (r. c. up) Eall in the Prisoner! 

(Thorne turns and walks up, quickly taking his 
place in the Squad. — Edith follows him up a 
step or two as he goes, stopping a little L. of c.) 

Sergeant, (quick orders) Attention! (Squad 



SECRET SERVICE 183 

obeys order) Carry — arms! (Squad obeys order) 
Escort — left — face ! (Squad with Thoene — left face 
on the order) Forward — march! 

(Escort with Thokne marches out at door up L. and 

of to L.) 



CURTAIN 

Time of playing — 25 minutes. 



OCT 18 1912 







